Terror-funding investigation uncovers syndicate that allegedly imported $9m worth of illegal tobacco

Terror-funding investigation uncovers syndicate that allegedly imported $9m worth of illegal tobacco

Police investigating terrorism funding have dismantled multiple layers of an organised crime syndicate that allegedly imported more than seven tonnes of illegal tobacco worth $9 million, with the arrest of eight men across south-west Sydney.
Strike force investigators descended on shop fronts and residential properties on Tuesday, executing 16 search warrants as part of a joint agency investigation into terrorism funding.

Eight men have been arrested over the alleged importation of more than seven tonnes of illegal tobacco.Credit:Police Media

Two men, aged 38 and 39, were arrested at a café at Sydney Olympic Park around 8.15am, while a further six men - aged between 22 and 42 - were arrested later in the day.
It is alleged those targeted included the mastermind of the syndicate, as well as mid-level participants, including shop owners where the illegal tobacco was allegedly sold.

The investigation was first launched in November 2017 by the NSW Police Terrorism Investigation Squad and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to examine terror-related funding, however it quickly uncovered the south-west Sydney syndicate, which had allegedly traded illegally imported loose leaf tobacco and cigarettes for at least 18 months.
Investigators have so far observed $1.2 million in cash and more than seven tonnes of illicit tobacco pass through the hands of the syndicate.

Eight men have been arrested over the alleged importation of more than seven tonnes of illegal tobacco.Credit:Police Media

"[Terrorism funding] was the focus of the investigation when it kicked off, but we've uncovered, [and] what we are alleging, is an organised crime syndicate involved in the importation and sale of illicit tobacco and a range of other offences, including money laundering," said Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing, Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics commander.
"The nexus is really close between terrorism funding and organised crime. And when we have sufficient evidence to take action, we take action."

Alongside NSW Police, the operation involved the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Border Force’s Illicit Tobacco Task Force.
Last year, the task force estimated around $600 million in tax was evaded by the trade of such tobacco, purchased overseas for small amounts and sold in Australia for inflated prices.
"There is a high amount of money that is gained from these organised crime syndicates that are evading duty and it's being fed back into all sorts of criminal syndicates and all sorts of organised crime. And as you can see, in this matter, it was commenced with a terrorism financing investigation," said ABF Acting Regional Commander of NSW Garry Low.
Properties in Yagoona and Punchbowl were targeted in the raids, as well as the Titanic Cafe in Bankstown.
All eight men were on Tuesday evening charged with a variety of offences including money laundering, directing and participating in a criminal group, dealing with the proceeds of crime and tobacco smuggling.

Lucy Cormack is a crime reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald
Source: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/terror-funding-investigation-uncovers-syndicate-that-imported-9m-worth-of-illegal-tobacco-20190521-p51pp0.html