Key Points:
·The potential excise value of the seized goods in a single operation amounts to AUD 10.9 million (approximately USD 7.11 million), with e-cigarette-related items valued at AUD 1.3 million (approximately USD 850,000) and AUD 40,000 (approximately USD 30,000) in cash.
·The Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF) in Australia integrates five major agencies, including the Border Force, Criminal Intelligence Commission, and Tax Office, to combat crime through intelligence sharing and real-time financial assessments.
·Illicit tobacco crimes cost Australia AUD 68.7 billion (approximately USD 44.8 billion) annually. This operation sends a strong signal of intensified crackdowns to curb such illegal activities.
·In addition to traditional tobacco products, a significant quantity of e-cigarette devices and e-liquids was seized, highlighting the focus on illegal trade involving emerging tobacco products.
2FIRSTS, August 28, 2025 — Australian authorities have dismantled one of the country's largest illegal tobacco networks following a major seizure led by the Australian Border Force (ABF)’s Illicit Tobacco Taskforce (ITTF), as reported by c-store.
Law enforcement seized over 26,000 e-cigarette devices, 500 accessories, and 7 liters of e-liquid, valued at approximately AUD 1.3 million (around USD 850,000).
Additionally, more than 7.5 million cigarettes, 218 kg of loose tobacco, 1,890 cigars, and AUD 40,000 (about USD 30,000) in cash were found at a property in Tallebudgera and seven storage units in Carrara. The total potential excise value of the seized goods exceeds AUD 10.9 million (roughly USD 7.11 million).
Ken McKern, Commander of Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Enforcement, emphasized that the intelligence-driven taskforce combines multiple agencies to identify, target, and disrupt criminal networks. “By seizing these goods and shutting down operations, we are sending a clear message to those involved in illegal trade,” he stated.
Jade Hawkins, Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), highlighted the importance of interagency collaboration. “This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of shared intelligence and integrated capabilities,” Hawkins noted.
Anthony Helmond, National Manager of Law Enforcement at the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), explained that financial intelligence played a key role. “AUSTRAC analysts worked alongside law enforcement to conduct real-time financial assessments on-site,” he said.
Dr. Katie Willis, Acting Executive Director of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), described the taskforce as essential in combating organized crime. “The ACIC provides actionable intelligence to support operations targeting criminal networks that cost Australia up to AUD 68.7 billion [approximately USD 44.8 billion] annually,” she added.
The ITTF integrates resources from the ABF, ACIC, ATO, AUSTRAC, and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations into the criminal network are ongoing.
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