News

Two charged in gang bust over illegal cigs

TWO people from Campsie were among five charged as part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in money laundering and the illegal importation of tobacco.

In December last year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, with assistance from the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Mawalan to investigate a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in money laundering across Sydney.
As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives, with assistance from Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, seized 90kg of allegedly illegally imported tobacco in April.
Earlier this month detectives raided properties at Campsie and Burwood and allegedly seized more than $180,000 cash, more than 70 post office keys, cigarettes, tobacco and electronic devices. All items will undergo further examination.
A 47-year old woman and a 23-year-old man were arrested at separate properties at Campsie.
The woman was charged with deal in proceeds of crime (money/property), import tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue, and direct activities of criminal organisation.
The man was charged with deal in proceeds of crime (money/property), import tobacco products with intent to defraud, support criminal organisation, and deal with proceeds of crime.
They have been refused bail until their next court appearance in July.
A 35-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman arrested at separate properties at Burwood, have also been charged.
As part of ongoing investigations, a 52-year-old man was arrested outside a business in Parramatta and charged with five counts of import tobacco products with intent to defraud revenue and convey tobacco products know of intent defraud revenue.