Two men, with links to serious organised crime entities and outlaw motorcycle gangs, have been sentenced for importing and distributing more than 10.6 million illicit cigarettes with an estimated duty evasion of over AUD $13 million.
A Sydney man, 63 was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, and a 35 year old Sydney man, sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment - to be served in the community, by the Downing Centre Local Court on Friday (12 September, 2025).
Both men pled guilty to all charges after being arrested in late 2023 following a joint operation in NSW.
An investigation by the Australian Border Force (ABF) - led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF) commenced in early 2022 after ABF intelligence identified a transnational and serious organised crime group involved in the importation and distribution of illicit tobacco.
Responding to the level of seriousness and criminal sophistication displayed by the group, joint Operation CENTAX/TARAZED commenced with the ABF, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to target the criminal group.
During the investigation ABF identified several illicit tobacco importations alleged to have been facilitated by the group, ranging between 8 and 10.5m cigarettes sticks each.
On 20 September 2023, a container arrived into NSW described as ‘adhesive tape’ was suspected to be linked to the two men’s illegal operations. The container was examined by ABF and found to contain more than 10 million illicit cigarette sticks.
Officers then executed warrants at a commercial property in Ingleburn, NSW and a residential address in Bardia, NSW to gather further evidence and footage.
The 35 year old man was arrested and charged on a later date with the importation of tobacco products with the intention of defrauding the revenue, contrary to section 233BABAD(2A) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth).
On 28 September 2023, officers executed two further warrants at residential properties in Bardwell Valley and Brighton Sands, NSW.
During the warrants a number of items were seized including cannabis, large bundles of Australian currency, several mobile phones, a safe containing $11,100 USD, bars of gold and silver bullion, and 10 luxury watches.
The 63 year old man was present at the time of the warrants, was arrested and charged with the importation of tobacco products with the intention of defrauding the revenue, contrary to section 233BABAD(1) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth).
ABF Illicit Tobacco and Vape Enforcement Commander Greg Dowse said the success of this investigation shows what could be achieved when agencies work hand-in-hand on coordinated law enforcement action.
"The ABF engages offshore and is on the frontline at our border seizing millions of illicit cigarettes before they reach our streets. This case is a powerful example of how close collaboration with our partner agencies can disrupt the business model of organised criminal networks," Commander Dowse said.
"These criminals sought to undermine our community and now they will face the consequences of their actions."
AFP Acting Commander Marie Andersson said the AFP was proud to work closely with its partners to target criminal groups preying on Australia from overseas.
"The AFP is committed to protecting Australians from harm, which includes from the illicit tobacco trade which is fuelling horrific violence in our communities," a/Commander Andersson said.
"Organised crime groups will work to exploit vulnerabilities and smuggle harmful substances into Australia. The AFP, alongside our partners, remain laser focused on unmasking those responsible and bringing them to justice."
ACIC acting Executive Director Dr Katie Willis highlighted the critical role of the ITTF in keeping the Australian community safe from serious and organised criminals.
"The ACIC provides unique, actionable and insightful intelligence to inform operations such as these, so the ITTF can continue to dismantle criminal syndicates whose illegal activities cost Australia up to $68.7 billion each year," Dr Willis said.