Two men have been arrested and more than $7.2 million worth of illicit tobacco, high-end watches and cash seized following investigations into an organised crime syndicate.
Detectives from Victoria Police’s Criminal Proceeds Squad and Taskforce Lunar, with support from the Australian Border Force, executed warrants on Thursday, August 21, at homes in Dallas and Campbellfield, as well as a business address in Epping.
A 40-year-old Dallas man was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with possessing a commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Police seized $1.9 million worth of illicit tobacco, about $80,000 cash, six luxury watches valued at more than $119,000, and electronic devices.
In a separate operation, a 34-year-old Campbellfield man was arrested after police allegedly intercepted a truck in Laverton North carrying more than four million cigarettes worth an estimated $5 million.
A further $100,000 in cash was seized from his home.
Police allege both men have links to an organised crime syndicate involved in laundering more than $83 million in illicit profits through local businesses since May 2021.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks from Taskforce Lunar said the seizure highlighted the wider criminal activity tied to illicit tobacco.
“This offending consistently goes hand in hand with other serious and violent crime… regardless of what form that criminality takes place, it will be targeted by police,” he said.
Both investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
