Illicit cigarette sellers on TikTok allegedly use videos of 'attractive women' to draw S'pore buyers

UPDATE on Jan. 26, 5pm: The article has been updated with Singapore Customs' statement.

Offenders have reportedly turned to TikTok to sell cigarettes illegally, with some using videos featuring young women to attract potential buyers.

Sell cigarette brands from China

According to Shin Min Daily News, tax-evaded cigarettes have reportedly been marketed openly to Singaporeans on social media platforms such as TikTok.

The posts, targeted at audiences in Singapore and Malaysia, often feature images of physically attractive women to draw attention, with terms such as "genuine daily necessities" and "Chinese supermarket" to promote Chinese cigarette brands.

Some sellers also state that they offer worldwide shipping in their profiles, claiming they can deliver cigarettes directly to Singapore.

In several videos, some women can be seen smiling and waving at the camera, while others pose suggestively, with multiple cigarette brands displayed on shelves behind them.

Though the women do not speak in the videos, the clips are accompanied by background music and promotional text such as: "Contact us anytime, we'll reply promptly."

Many Singaporean "repeat customers"

Posing as a buyer, a Shin Min reporter contacted one seller on TikTok.

The seller reportedly replied within two minutes, providing the reporter with a price list of various Chinese cigarette brands.

The seller also assured the reporter that the cigarettes could be delivered within a few days.

The seller claimed the shop was based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and that orders would be delivered to customers' homes via courier.

Payment methods include cash on delivery, or transfers via WeChat or Alipay.

When asked whether the packages might be intercepted by authorities, the seller claimed there were ways to ensure the items could clear customs, and shared screenshots of chats suggesting there were a number of "repeat customers" from Singapore.

Based on the price lists shared, prices range from RMB 450 (around S$83) to RMB 1580 (around S$291) per box.

A minimum purchase of two boxes is required.

When the Shin Min reporter questioned the high price points, the seller reportedly replied: "You get what you pay for," adding that the cigarettes were of high quality.

The seller also allegedly persisted in contacting the reporter even after he stopped responding, asking him which brand of cigarettes he wanted.

Online surveillance has been stepped up

In response to Mothership's queries, Singapore Customs said they are aware of sellers using social media and e-commerce platforms to offer duty-unpaid cigarettes for sale.

It added that it has stepped up online surveillance and taken measures, including engaging the platforms to take down the listings and conducting operations to curb the illicit trade of duty-unpaid cigarettes.

Singapore Customs also reminded the public that under the Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing in duty-unpaid goods are serious offences.

Offenders may be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded, jailed for up to six years, or both.

Repeat offenders who are caught with more than two kilograms of tobacco products will also face mandatory imprisonment.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News