# Case of Large-Scale Cigarette Smuggling: Court Decides Fate of Ruslan Eyubov

The two-month pretrial detention period for prominent entrepreneur Ruslan Eyyubov, accused of organizing large-scale tobacco product smuggling worth 5 million manats, is coming to an end. However, judging by the developments, the influential businessman will remain in detention longer.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Qafqazinfo, the Main Anti-Corruption Department under the Prosecutor General has already submitted an official motion to the court on this matter.

The prosecution's document particularly emphasizes that the standard two-month preliminary investigation period proved insufficient for unraveling the tangle of such an especially grave crime. Given the wide public resonance, the complexity of financial schemes, and the need for in-depth analysis of all links in the criminal chain, the continuation of investigative actions has been deemed important for justice.

The investigation insists on extending the preventive measure, arguing this based on the high degree of public danger of the act, as well as the real risk of the accused exerting pressure on key witnesses. In this regard, the prosecution is requesting an extension of Ruslan Eyyubov's arrest for several more months to conduct all necessary procedural and operational activities.

It is expected that the prosecution's motion will be reviewed by judges of the Binagadi District Court during the course of today.

As a reminder, Ruslan Eyyubov, who is the de facto owner of the Baku International Sea Trade Port of Govsan, was detained in December of last year. This arrest triggered a "domino effect": his brother, General Hasan Eyyubov, amid the escalating scandal, was dismissed from his high position as head of the Main Customs Department for Maritime Transport and Energy Resources of the State Customs Committee. Since the smuggling route ran directly through the Govsan port controlled by the family, the port director, a number of high-ranking customs officers, and other connected individuals were also brought to criminal liability, indicating the existence of an organized shadow network.