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Illegal cigarette factories are discovered in Latvia every year, but the latest one stands out from the rest. In a large-scale operation in Latvia and abroad in December, law enforcement officers detained more than 30 people. The alleged leader of the group – Elmārs Laizāns, an influential businessman in Latgale – has been in custody since the summer. His name has been unofficially mentioned in connection with an illegal cigarette distribution network for years. Who is this businessman, who is also often presented as a patron? ** The products produced in the illegal cigarette factories discovered in Latvia are mainly intended for export, because the demand and price are higher there, but the products are also sold in Latvia in minimal quantities.