Australian Federal Police Dismantles WA Illegal Tobacco Network Linked to National Syndicate

Key Point

• More than five tonnes of illicit tobacco seized
• Two Perth brothers charged with major offences
• Estimated $8 million in tax evasion avoided
• Linked to national organised crime syndicate
• Court hearing set for November 21

2Firsts, October 31, 2025 — According to ABC News, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Western Australia Police have seized more than five tonnes of illicit tobacco products in Perth, including over four million cigarettes, about 50,000 vapes, and nearly 900 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco. Authorities described it as one of the largest seizures in the state’s recent history, reflecting the expansion of black-market networks in Western Australia.

The suspects, identified as 32-year-old Hossein Al Mansouri and 33-year-old Mousa Al Mansouri, residents of Nedlands and Dianella respectively, were arrested and charged. Investigators allege the brothers were part of a national organised crime syndicate distributing unlicensed tobacco and vaping products across WA, before transferring the profits to eastern states for laundering.

Police estimate the illicit trade would have avoided roughly AUD 8 million in Commonwealth excise and taxes. The AFP, WA Police, and Australian Border Force (ABF) executed multiple warrants in August, searching a warehouse in Wangara, five storage units across Perth, two vehicles, and a residential property, where the contraband was discovered.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Matt Taylor said organised crime groups are using the illegal tobacco trade to generate multimillion-dollar profits, often linked to violent crimes such as fire-bombings, extortion, and firearms offences. “This is a direct threat to Australia’s national security,” Taylor said, adding that the AFP remains committed to dismantling criminal enterprises and stripping them of their illicit gains under proceeds-of-crime laws.

Both men were charged with possessing more than 500 kilograms of tobacco and holding vaping goods exceeding 1,000 times the commercial quantity threshold. They were granted bail on a AUD 20,000 personal undertaking and are due to appear in court again on November 21. Police said further inquiries will focus on tracing financial flows and supply chains to determine links between the Perth operation and interstate black-market networks.

Image source: AAP / ABC News