Police allege the syndicate was leasing stores and employing staff under the guise of operating as legitimate gifts and confectionery stores while only selling illicit tobacco and related products.
Officers swooped on 27 properties at 5am on Tuesday, October 22 including a store on Orr Street, Yarrawonga. The Yarrawonga man was interviewed and released and is expected to be charged on summons. The doors of the shop have been barricaded up.
Kyabram and Echuca gift and confectionery stores were also raided in relation to the statewide police investigation.
A total of 130 officers across the state executed more than 27 arrest warrants in relation to an organisation that has allegedly earned more than $30 million across 12 months by trading illicit tobacco products.
Police seized 75kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 600,000 illicit tobacco sticks, a significant quantity of cash and two luxury cars from one residential address.
A Hoppers Crossing man, 25, was arrested at Melbourne Airport just before 6am and has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation.
He was also charged with possessing tobacco products with the intent of defrauding the revenue and possessing proceeds of crime and selling/distributing e-cigarettes.
Four other people were charged with the same offences, while five others were arrested over other charges.
Victoria Police continues to support local councils and the Victorian Department of Health who have responsibility for tobacco and vape enforcement and compliance.
Detectives continue to work alongside external agencies such as the ABF, TGA, AFP, ATO and interstate counterparts.
Victoria Police has identified a number of state, national and global organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco conflict.
These syndicates are comprised of personnel from Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs who are then engaging local networked youth and youth gangs to carry out the offending.
Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said organised crime syndicates and their serious offending linked to the infiltration of the tobacco industry remain a top priority for police.
“The disruption of this syndicate will have a substantial impact on the illicit tobacco trade,” he said.
“These were significant players who we believe were directing the activity of a criminal organisation, turning a huge profit at the expense of others.”
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
