Ninth person charged, VIPER seize further illicit tobacco

Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce have today charged a ninth person and executed a further three search warrants as part of their investigation into an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco.

Two warrants were executed at tobacco stores in Newcomb and Corio, as well as at a residential address in Roxburgh Park.

A 41-year-old Tarneit man who was present at the Newcomb store was arrested and has since been charged with the Commonwealth offence of support a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences.

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 October.

Over 12,000 illicit cigarettes, over 100 vapes and a quantity of cash were seized from the store.

At least 68,000 illicit cigarettes and a quantity of cash were seized from the Corio business.

Today’s activity follows the execution of 27 search warrants statewide on Tuesday (22 October). Ten people were arrested and eight were charged with Commonwealth offences for their part in directing and assisting an organised crime syndicate.

It will be alleged the syndicate was leasing stores, employing staff as supervisors, store managers and couriers and commencing deliveries under the guise of operating the stores as legitimate gifts and confectionary stores, while selling only illicit tobacco and related products.

Investigators have obtained transactional records which reflect the syndicate earned over $30M in a 12-month period through the sale of illicit tobacco in these stores.

Victoria Police continues to support local councils and the Victorian Department of Health who have responsibility for tobacco and vape enforcement and compliance.

Detectives continue to work alongside external agencies such as the ABF, TGA, AFP, ATO and interstate counterparts.

Victoria Police has identified a number of state, national and global organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco conflict.

These syndicates are comprised of personnel from Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs who are then engaging local networked youth and youth gangs to carry out the offending.

Investigators continue to appeal to anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have information about these incidents and who is responsible to come forward.

Anyone with information about these incidents or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Maddy McDermott

Media Unit

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