SAMARA VAPE EMPIRE GOES BANKRUPT DUE TO 13 BILLION TAX DEBTS

In mid-June, the Samara Arbitration Court (AS SO) officially recognized the financial insolvency of Brusco Factori. This company was engaged in the production of products containing nicotine. The total amount of claims brought against the company has reached the astronomical mark of 13 billion rubles, with the key amount of debt coming from tax deductions.

In the bankruptcy process, the Federal Tax Service's claims in the amount of 956 million have already been added to the list of creditors. These obligations will go through the third stage. At the same time, the judicial authorities are considering another lawsuit from the same service – already for 12.3 billion rubles. This statement was placed in a separate proceeding. It includes 6.9 billion of the principal debt plus penalties and accrued penalties.

The financial collapse of the company developed against the background of a criminal case against the head and co–owner of the company, Alexander Venyaminov. At the end of last year, the entrepreneur was charged with a tax offense. Investigators believe that the financial statements were distorted during the period 2021-2024. False information about the volume of products sold was entered into it. Manipulation could lead to a shortfall of 7 billion rubles. After the charges were brought, the defendant was detained.

The Brusco Factori company was established in Samara about 5 years ago. The year 2024 turned out to be the most successful for the organization. It was then that the company earned 991 million, achieving a net profit of 200 million. However, the company's business worsened the following year. There was a decrease in revenue (to 156 million), and a loss of 17 million.

At the same time, the organization actively explored foreign markets. The products were mainly exported to neighboring countries. At the same time, imports came mainly from China and Belarus. 

Another structure, Brusco Import, is closely related to this manufacturer. Alexey Venyaminov is listed as its owner. The organization is currently in litigation over the accrual of about 900 million excise taxes on imported cartridges for electronic cigarettes.

Earlier, the legal entity was stripped of its license from the state body that controls the tobacco and alcohol markets. But she continues to dispute this. The financial situation of this structure has also deteriorated. If revenue for 2024 was 4.5 billion, then next year it decreased by 2 times, amounting to 2.3 billion. Last year, the company closed with a loss of 353 million.

Both Samara structures own the rights to a number of brands. They are well-known in the nicotine-containing products market. Among them are Elf Bar, Lost Mary, Armango and Doubler.