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