Kyabram and Echuca gift and confectionery stores have been raided in relation to a statewide police investigation into trading of illicit tobacco.
On Tuesday, October 22, 130 officers across the state executed more than 27 arrest warrants in relation to an organisation that has allegedly earned more than $30 million across 12 months by trading illicit tobacco products.
Police allege the group was trading under the guise of operating as gift and confectionery stores while selling only illicit tobacco and related products.
From 5am, 18 crime units and taskforces executed warrants at tobacco stores, warehouses and residential addresses across Victoria, including the Kyabram and Echuca industrial addresses, arresting eight people in relation to the syndicate.
Police seized 75kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 600,000 illicit tobacco sticks, a significant quantity of cash and two luxury cars from one residential address.
A Hoppers Crossing man, 25, was arrested at Melbourne Airport just before 6am and has been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation.
He was also charged with possessing tobacco products with the intent of defrauding the revenue and possessing proceeds of crime and selling/distributing e-cigarettes.
Four other people were charged with the same offences, while five others were arrested over other charges.
The Hoppers Crossing man was expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 22.
Investigators are appealing for anyone, especially store owners and staff, who have any information regarding illicit tobacco trade to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au