Australia: Cops Smash Massive Illicit Tobacco Ring that was ''Used to Fund Drug Purchases''

Source from:  The Australian (au)  10/25/2013

AFP operatives raid a property linked to one of the biggest illegal tobacco syndicates in the country, linked to up to $67m in fraud, seizing cigarettes and weapons

THE biggest organised illicit tobacco importation syndicate in Australia's history has been busted, police revealed. 
 
Trident Taskforce charged 10 people and seized 71 tonnes of tobacco and 80 million cigarettes stashed in 16 shipping containers that came through Melbourne docks.

The gang attempted to avoid paying more than $67 million in tax, authorities said.

Victoria Police carried out 12 raids across Melbourne today and charged four men from Parkville, Macleod, East Melbourne and Northcote. They join six people charged in June.

Tobacco and cigarettes were being shipped from Indonesia and United Arab Emirates.

Police said it was "most likely" then being sold on to businesses to retail.

Trident Taskforce began investigating the gang in January after Customs and Border Protection Service found a large quantity of illegally imported tobacco.

"This is significant organised crime," Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said.

"It's one of the largest organised crime set ups, in relation to international tobacco importation, we have seen.

"The illicit importation of tobacco at this scale allows organised crime groups to develop considerable wealth, vast amounts of wealth and they have links to other organised crime syndicates," he said.

It is also believed police seized large amount of cash, guns and other weapons, including a machete.

"Anecdotal evidence suggests proceeds of tobacco finance further illicit drug purchases and criminal activity," Mr Fontana said.

Taskforce Trident was formed in Victoria in July last year to "create a hostile environment for organised crime to exist in the maritime environment."

It is comprised of Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Transactions Reporting and Analysis Centre, Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Crime Commission.

"Law enforcement agencies are conscious of the risk organised crime in the port environment poses to legitimate trade and the risk of illicit commodities entering the country," Mr Fontana said.

"The benefit of a multi-agency approach is sharing our intelligence, collective experience and assets to detect and disrupt this level of illegal activity arriving through our ports.

"This operation would not have been possible without the strong partnership."

The 10 people arrested have been charged with a range of offences, including dishonestly causing a loss to the Commonwealth by smuggling tobacco products into Australia, dealing in the proceeds of crime and importing tobacco products into Australia with the intention of defrauding the Australian revenue.

The investigation is continuing with police saying more arrests could follow. Enditem