Photo: newsroom.border.gov.au

Based on intelligence gathered from previous operations, officers from the Australian Border Force’s (ABF) Tobacco Strike Team and Aviation Traveller team began investigating a large number of passengers arriving from South-East Asian ports.

Over the course of the investigation, more than 40 individuals were identified bringing in large amounts of illicit tobacco packed in suitcases.

In total, more than one million cigarettes with a potential street value of $682,500 were detected. The total amount of duty evaded is estimated to be more than $730,000.

On Friday 19 January, officers from the Tobacco Strike Team conducted warrant activity at a property in Docklands linked to one of the alleged ringleaders of the offshore syndicate.

Officers seized 107,000 cigarettes, $260,000 in cash, a laptop and a number of other luxury items.

A 33 year-old-man located at the property was charged with possess and convey tobacco products, knowing that the goods were imported with intent to defraud the revenue contrary to section 233 BABAD of the Customs Act 1901. He will next face court on 11 May 2018.

On Saturday 20 January, a 54-year-old woman and 30-year-old woman, who the ABF allege are part of the syndicate, were also arrested attempting to leave Melbourne Airport. It will be alleged they imported two suitcases filled with 52,000 illicit cigarettes on 19 January.

ABF Acting Regional Commander Victoria, Craig Palmer, said the arrests were yet another example of the ABF’s commitment to stopping criminals importing illicit tobacco.

“The Tobacco Strike Team’s sole focus is targeting, investigating and prosecuting the most serious and organised elements of the illicit tobacco trade, including their global supply chains,” A/g Regional Commander Palmer said.  

“We know the illicit tobacco trade is an attractive market for organised criminal syndicates due to the lucrative profits that can be made in evaded tax, and that these profits are often channelled back into organised crime or other criminal activity.

“No matter how lucrative the illicit tobacco trade is, the Tobacco Strike Team is making significant inroads in tackling the criminal syndicates involved – last financial year we detected more than 123 million illicit cigarettes and 64 tonnes of tobacco.”

The maximum penalty for tobacco smuggling is ten years imprisonment.

Penalties of up to five times the amount of duty evaded can also be imposed by the courts.

Investigations into the alleged syndicate are continuing.

People with information about the illicit importation of tobacco should contact Border Watch by going to www.homeaffairs.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border. Information can be provided anonymously.