Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF), with critical support from Australia Post, have disrupted a criminal syndicate suspected of transporting thousands of kilograms of illicit tobacco in south-east Queensland.
In July, Australia Post and the ABF commenced investigations in relation to suspicious activities of a number of parcel delivery contractors, who were found to be facilitating the delivery of consignments to non-existent or false addresses.
So far, seven parcel delivery contractors have been stood down, and it is understood further drivers are also under investigation.
As part of investigations, ABF officers analysed air cargo addressed to suburbs within the company's delivery catchment, identifying 45 consignors who had imported packages to undeliverable or fake addresses.
From 1 June 2024 to 21 October 2024, these consignors imported more than 16,000 packages weighing more than 111,000 kilograms, with an average consignment weight of 6.6 kilograms.
Last Wednesday (11 December 2024), ABF officers - with support from the Illicit Tobacco Task Force (ITTF) - executed s198 and s203 Customs Act 1901 warrants at a storage facility at Eagle Farm, Queensland.
ABF officers spoke with two people at the location, while three storage units and two vehicles were searched.
During the search, more than 586,000 sticks of cigarettes were located plus 32 kilograms of loose tobacco. A large number of the cigarettes were concealed in ottomans.
ABF analysis of cargo data indicates that this syndicate may have been evading revenue to the tune of $279.5 million annually.
Investigations into the syndicate, including importations and domestic movements, are continuing.
ABF Acting Commander Troy Sokoloff said the scale of the operation was deeply concerning.
"The syndicate in question appears to have circumvented our border processes by co-opting trusted insiders to illegally import illicit tobacco into Australia," Acting Commander Sokoloff said.
"I would like to commend the work of our officers, together with the assistance from Australia Post, in disrupting this illegal activity.
"What is not commonly acknowledged regarding serious organised crime groups importing illicit tobacco is that the profits are used to fund further nefarious crimes such as human trafficking, illicit drug importations and murder.
"The cost and community harm associated with illicit tobacco importations far exceeds the revenue evasion, even in this case where it is estimated at almost $300 million annually.
"The ABF is steadfastly committed to supply chain integrity and we will stop at nothing to detect, disrupt and deter criminal groups seeking to circumvent the integrity of the Australian border.
"Consideration of possible charges will be made as the investigation continues - but our message to criminal groups is very simple. Do not engage in illegal activity of this nature.
"If you do, we will detect you and you can expect to face the full legal consequences for your actions," Acting Commander Sokoloff said.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
