An Indian illegal immigrant has been arrested and charged for his alleged role in an illicit tobacco syndicate which was making millions in suburban Brisbane.
The 33-year-old man allegedly facilitated the movement of more than $7 million in profits from illicit tobacco sales, which allegedly came from multiple outlets in the city’s outer suburbs, through his bank account.
He also provided false information to immigration officials as part “sustained efforts to obtain permanent residency”, the Australian Border Force said on Wednesday.
Investigators from the ABF, Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police raided a home in Kuraby on April 27 where they allegedly seized an estimated $70,000 cash, four mobile phones, business documents, boxes of illicit vapes, and the keys to a commercial storage shed.
The man was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime, providing false documents and information, dishonestly influencing a public official, and possessing a commercial quantity of illegal vaping goods, and faces a maximum 10 years’ jail.
The vapes were forfeited to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Queensland Police Service, Crime Command, Detective Acting Superintendent Melissa Anderson said police were targeting organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
“This ongoing collaborative approach, with interstate and Commonwealth agencies, aims to ensure that individuals operating behind the scenes are identified and brought to justice, reinforcing our dedication to protecting the community from the harmful impacts of organised crime,” she said.
ABF Superintendent Amanda Coppleman said her agency was working with state and federal police forces to disrupt criminal enterprises.
“Strong interagency partnerships are critical to identifying and responding to individuals who seek to exploit immigration processes or profit from illicit activities,” Supt Coppleman said.
“Illicit tobacco activity is targeted most effectively when agencies work together across every stage of the supply chain, from importation through to storage, distribution and retail.”
Header image: Investigators search a commercial storage unit (ABF).
