Multiple petrol stations in Queensland have been caught selling illicit tobacco after authorities raided almost 50 stores across the state.
Australian Border Force and other agencies as part of Operation Shorthand raided 48 Metro Petroleum Stores – seizing 14,110 cigarette sticks, 350g of loose leaf and 31 vapes as part of a nationwide investigation into the alleged supply and disruption of illegal tobacco.
About 106 stations were raided across six jurisdictions – with 38 in NSW, 10 in Victoria and the most in Queensland.
The majority of the searches occurred across South East Queensland, including Brisbane, Logan, Redland City, Ipswich, City of Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast.
Additional warrants were also executed in the Wide Bay, Central Queensland and North Queensland regions, including Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen and Innisfail.
ABF assistant commissioner (customs compliance and enforcement) Tony Smith said Operation Shorthand was designed to disrupt mid-level enablers and identify the criminal enterprises behind the distribution and supply that drive and profit from it.
“The disruptive effect and intelligence gathered by agencies throughout the operation are integral to disrupting the illicit tobacco market and those behind the importation, supply and distribution of it.
“Electronic devices, business records and other intelligence or evidentiary material seized are now being analysed to identify those involved in the broader criminal network, map supply chains and uncover links between facilitators and enablers operating across jurisdictions,” Mr Smith said.
“In addition to dismantling the criminals behind these enterprises, the operation was also about protecting legitimate businesses from unfair competition so law-abiding retailers are not forced to compete with criminal networks selling illegal, untaxed products.
AFP Superintendent (crime command) Jim Rowe said joint agency collaboration was a key part of the AFP’s approach to combat organised crime syndicates.
“The AFP will use the information obtained during this activity to inform its intelligence profiles and investigation plans to combat transnational organised crime syndicates impacting the Australian community,” he said.
“Being able to get a detailed look at how legitimate businesses can form part of the illicit tobacco trade helps us and partners understand how organised crime entrenches itself in the community, and then develop strategies to combat it.”
ACIC acting executive director (mission co-ordination and analysis) Wendy Darling said the results of Operation Shorthand are a testament to the strong collaboration between intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
“The ACIC provided initial lead intelligence and ongoing analytical support throughout Operation Shorthand.
“The outcomes reinforce our role in providing actionable and insightful intelligence to partner agencies to disrupt organised crime and keep our community safe.”
Metro Petroleum is owned by brothers John and George Dib, Metro Petroleum who operate more than 300 sites nationwide and is a major sponsor of the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, with the Dib family having an estimated wealth of nearly $1bn.
The brothers are not accused of any wrongdoing.
Extracted in full from: https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/authorities-seize-illegal-tobacco-after-raiding-48-qld-metro-petroleum-stores/news-story/b20f0b279d85d403a354bf1ef7a00f1d
