Major cigarette makers are being accused of telling half-truths and lies for 50 years about the dangers of smoking.

The accusations came as the U.S. government's 280 billion U.S. dollar case against the industry went to trial on Tuesday.

In opening arguments in the biggest and most ambitious racketeering case in history, the government said a 1953 meeting of tobacco industry executives at New York's Plaza Hotel was the starting point for a conspiracy designed to cast doubt on links between cancer and cigarettes.

Justice Department officials want the industry to give up its past profits and are seeking tougher rules on marketing, advertising and warning claims on tobacco products.

The companies have denied the government's allegations. They said the penalty would put them out of business and have challenged the government's legal authority to seek past profits.

Source: CCTV.com