CANBERRA, ACT, April 17 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
Editor's Note: Vision and images from the arrest available via Hightail
A New South Wales man, expected to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court today (17 April, 2026), is one of four men charged following the seizure of $800,000 in cash and a significant haul of illicit tobacco products in Sydney.
The AFP alleges the four men - all charged this week - are part of crime syndicate involved in money laundering and the large-scale supply of illicit tobacco products.
In late March and April this year, the AFP executed search warrants at homes in Strathfield and Eastgardens, a retail outlet in Bondi Junction, a warehouse in Banksmeadow, and on a vehicle in Surry Hills.
During the warrants police located and seized about $800,000 in cash, 542,940 cigarettes, 801kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 8169 vapes, 8650 nicotine tabs, 5680 nicotine pouches, an electric taser, luxury watches, a cash counting machine and electronic devices including mobile phones and a mobile device signal jammer.
As a result of police inquiries, the man facing court today, a 36-year-old from Strathfield, was charged with:
* One count of dealing in the proceeds of crime worth $1,000,000 or more, contrary to section 400.3(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment;* One count of dealing in the proceeds of crime worth $1,000,000 or more, contrary to section 400.4(2B) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment;* Possessing or conveying tobacco knowing or reckless that the goods were imported to defraud revenue, contrary to section 233BABAD(2B) of the Customs Act (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment; and* Offence of unauthorised possession or use of prohibited weapon, contrary to section 7 of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
It came after a 26-year-old and a 31-year-old, both from Eastgardens, were charged on 14 April, 2026, with:
* One count of possess or convey tobacco knowing or reckless that the goods were imported to defraud revenue contrary to section 233BABAD(2B) of the Customs Act (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment; * One count of dealing in proceeds of crime, money or property worth $1,000,000 or more, contrary to section 400.3(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years' imprisonment; and * One count of contravene a Section 3LA Order, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
Both men appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court yesterday (16 April, 2026) and were refused bail. They are next scheduled to appear in court on 10 June, 2026.
A dual Jordanian and American citizen, 32, from Wolli Creek, was charged on 14 April, 2026, with one count of dealing with money or property worth $100,000 or more and the money or property being proceeds of general crime, contrary to section 400.4(2B) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
He also appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court yesterday (16 April, 2026) and was refused bail. He is next scheduled to appear in court on 10 June, 2026.
AFP Acting Commander Carly Smith said the AFP remained dedicated to disrupting and dismantling serious organised crime networks who sought to profit at the expense of the Australian community.
"The illicit tobacco trade is directly linked to acts of violence in our community, and these crimes are executed by organised crime groups in their pursuit of power and profit," a/Commander Smith said.
"Illicit tobacco not only can present a significant health risk to Australian communities but can also fund the lavish lifestyles of organised crime networks and support other serious criminal activities.
"The AFP - along with our partners - will continue to proactively target individuals involved in this trade both here and offshore, to disrupt their illicit business models and prevent harm to innocent people and legitimate business owners."
The investigation remains ongoing.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
