A New South Wales man faced court on 17 April 2026 after police allegedly uncovered a major illicit tobacco and money laundering operation, seizing about $800,000 in cash and a large stockpile of illegal products across Sydney.

The 36-year-old from Strathfield is among four men charged following a series of Australian Federal Police raids in late March and April targeting locations in Strathfield, Eastgardens, Bondi Junction, Banksmeadow and Surry Hills.

Authorities allege the group is linked to an organised crime syndicate involved in large-scale supply of illicit tobacco and laundering criminal proceeds.

AFP Acting Commander Carly Smith said illicit tobacco operations were closely linked to organised crime and violence.

“The illicit tobacco trade is directly linked to acts of violence in our community,” she said.

“Such activity not only poses health risks but also funds broader criminal networks.”

During the searches, officers seized more than 540,000 cigarettes, 801kg of loose-leaf tobacco, over 8,000 vapes, thousands of nicotine products, as well as luxury watches, a cash-counting machine and electronic devices. A prohibited weapon and a signal jammer were also allegedly found.

The Strathfield man faces multiple serious charges, including dealing with proceeds of crime worth $1 million or more, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison.

Two other men, aged 26 and 31 from Eastgardens, appeared in court earlier this week and were refused bail. A fourth man, a 32-year-old dual Jordanian and US citizen from Wolli Creek, also faced court and was refused bail.

All three are due to reappear in June. Police say investigations are ongoing.

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