The alleged ringleader of a criminal syndicate accused of supplying Melbourne with more than seven tonnes of illicit tobacco has been charged following a major joint law enforcement operation.
AFP Acting Commander Investigations Ray Imbriano said the operation was a key effort to combat organised crime’s role in the illicit tobacco trade.
“Illicit tobacco has fuelled unspeakable violence and crime in our communities,” a/Commander Imbriano said. “Criminal networks mistakenly believe they can operate outside of the law in Australia. We’re here to remind them – they cannot.”
As per the AFP, a 49-year-old man from North Coburg is accused of masterminding the importation of large-scale quantities of illicit tobacco into Victoria, allegedly dodging $36.3 million in Commonwealth excise taxes. A second man, 29, from Meadow Heights, has also been charged with conspiracy to import tobacco.
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF), comprising members of the AFP, Victoria Police, and the Australian Border Force (ABF), launched the investigation in November 2024 following intelligence from the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce about a suspected syndicate smuggling significant amounts of tobacco into Australia.
Authorities allege the tobacco was shipped via air and sea cargo from multiple countries, concealed inside consignments of kitchenware and clothing. Over a 10-month period, the North Coburg man is accused of facilitating the importation of more than seven tonnes of looseleaf tobacco, around five million cigarettes, and more than 5,000 vapes, avoiding millions in taxes. He allegedly used criminal associates in the freight and logistics industry to distribute the products to multiple warehouses and 20 tobacco shops under his control.
The JOCTF arrested both men at a North Coburg property on Tuesday morning (9 September). A series of search warrants were also executed across Melbourne, including Campbellfield, Coburg North, Meadow Heights, Mickleham, Gladstone Park, and Craigieburn.
Authorities seized tobacco manufacturing equipment, filters, vapes, a cash counting machine, electronic devices, and approximately 70 pallets of alleged illicit tobacco products. These are estimated to include tonnes of looseleaf tobacco, tens of millions of cigarettes, and tens of thousands of vapes.
Victoria Police Commander Paul O’Halloran said the trade often drives violent crime, arson, extortion, and firearms offences, putting the community at risk.
ABF Commander Greg Dowse said the ABF remained committed to disrupting illicit tobacco syndicates through border seizures, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation.
The North Coburg man faces multiple charges, including importing tobacco with intent to defraud revenue, possession of unlawfully imported tobacco, supplying a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco, selling vapes illegally, and unauthorised possession of nicotine.
The Meadow Heights man faces one charge of possessing unlawfully imported tobacco with intent to defraud revenue. Both appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (11 September), with further arrests expected as the investigation continues.
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