The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) has frozen about $8.4 million in assets — including commercial and residential properties, luxury vehicles and a jet ski — after an investigation into the illicit tobacco trade in the Northern Territory.
The proceeds of crime probe began when Northern Territory Police seized thousands of cigarettes and vapes and charged a 27-year-old Queensland man allegedly found with the illegal products, which were believed to be destined for sale across the Territory.
Between February and June 2024, police seized almost 946,000 cigarettes, more than 12,000 nicotine vapes, nearly 86kg of loose tobacco, 1,400 counterfeit tobacco pouches and 644 nitrous oxide canisters during a series of search warrants. Officers also restrained $580,000 in a bank account suspected to contain the proceeds of crime.
Working with Queensland Police and NT Police, AFP investigators examined the suspect’s financial activities and uncovered concerns that the value of his assets far exceeded his legitimate income. The CACT subsequently sought orders from the Northern Territory Supreme Court to restrain the assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The restrained property includes two commercial and three residential holdings in Queensland, two vehicles — among them a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG worth about $244,000 — a jet ski and roughly $1 million spread across three Australian bank accounts.
AFP Commander Jason Kennedy said the taskforce would now pursue confiscation orders.
“The AFP and our partners are committed to targeting the proceeds, instruments and benefits of the illicit tobacco trade,” Commander Kennedy said. “The ability to restrain and confiscate the assets of those who act illegally sends the message that they not only risk a term of imprisonment, but also the loss of their ill-gotten gains.”
Northern Territory Police Detective Acting Superintendent David Richardson said the outcome should stand as a warning to anyone attempting to profit from illicit tobacco.
“If you attempt to bring illicit tobacco into the Northern Territory, we will find you,” he said.
“We will not only seize the illicit products but will also target and restrain any assets gained through these illegal profits.”
Queensland Police Service Detective Acting Superintendent Melissa Anderson said the QPS remained focused on disrupting organised crime groups involved in the illicit tobacco market.
“To achieve this, we work in partnership with stakeholders, including interstate police and Commonwealth agencies, to disrupt tobacco-related crime and minimise the harm caused to the community,” she said.
The Commonwealth’s proceeds of crime laws allow authorities to restrain criminal assets, issue unexplained wealth orders and impose pecuniary penalties on a civil standard of proof, independent of any criminal charges.
The CACT combines the capabilities of the AFP, Australian Border Force, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and AUSTRAC to trace, restrain and confiscate criminal wealth. Once forfeited, assets are liquidated by the Australian Financial Security Authority, with funds directed to the Confiscated Assets Account for community crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
