A 41-year-old Tarneit resident has been arrested and charged in connection with a major organised crime syndicate
Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce have charged a ninth person and executed three more search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into an organised crime syndicate involved in the illegal sale and distribution of tobacco.
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The warrants were carried out at two tobacco stores, one in Newcomb and the other in Corio, as well as a residential address in Roxburgh Park.
A 41-year-old man from Tarneit, who was present at the Newcomb store, was arrested and has been charged with supporting a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco-related offences. He has been granted bail and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 October.
At the Newcomb store, police seized over 12,000 illegal cigarettes, more than 100 vapes, and a quantity of cash. Meanwhile, the Corio business was found with at least 68,000 illegal cigarettes and more cash.
This follows a significant statewide operation earlier in the week on 22 October, where detectives executed 27 search warrants. Ten people were arrested, and eight were charged with Commonwealth offences for their involvement in directing and assisting the organised crime syndicate.
It is alleged that the syndicate was leasing stores, employing staff, and operating under the guise of legitimate businesses, while focusing solely on the sale of illicit tobacco and related products. Investigators have obtained transactional records indicating that the syndicate generated over $30 million in a 12-month period.
Victoria Police is continuing its collaboration with local councils, the Victorian Department of Health, and other external agencies such as the Australian Border Force, Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australian Federal Police, Australian Taxation Office, and interstate counterparts, in efforts to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade.
The investigation has identified numerous state, national, and international organised crime syndicates linked to the illicit tobacco trade. These groups involve Middle Eastern crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs, which in turn engage local youth gangs to carry out their operations.
Police are urging anyone, particularly store owners and staff, with information related to the illicit tobacco trade or organised crime, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
