More than $7 million worth of illegal tobacco, luxury watches, and cash have been seized in Melbourne following investigations into an alleged money laundering and organised crime syndicate.
Police recovered over $1.9 million in illegal tobacco during search warrants at properties in Dallas and Epping, Victoria. The haul included 475,400 cigarettes, 624 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, $80,000 in cash, and six luxury watches valued at $119,000.
Detectives allege the syndicate laundered money earned from the sale of illegal tobacco, with the business owner reportedly receiving a commission on each transaction. Further illegal operations were discovered at a factory in Epping. Police estimate that over $83 million has been laundered since May 2021.
In a related investigation, authorities intercepted a truck in Laverton North carrying more than 4 million cigarettes, worth approximately $5 million. A 34-year-old man from Campbellfield, who was driving the truck, was charged after $100,000 in cash was allegedly found at his property.
Investigators said the man had links to the Somerton business associated with the money laundering operation and to the organised crime syndicate involved. He was charged with possession of a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Both investigations remain ongoing.
