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Australia dismantles smuggling networks using corrupt industry insiders
Australian law enforcement has dismantled two criminal networks that allegedly used corrupt insiders to smuggle illicit goods through the country's borders. The Multi-Agency Strike Team (MAST) arrested seven individuals, including general managers and business owners, who allegedly exploited their positions at freight forwarders and warehouses to monitor and intercept shipments of vapes and cigarettes.
Investigations spanning several months resulted in the seizure of over 282,000 vapes valued at $21 million, contributing to a total haul of illicit tobacco and vapes estimated at $80 million. Additionally, raids conducted in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane uncovered approximately $33 million worth of the drug 1-4 Butanediol.
Other items seized during the operation included $2.5 million in luxury watches and handbags, $300,000 in gold bullion, 350,000 cigarettes, $172,000 in cash, two firearms, and a BMW X5.
Entities
Australia · John Watson · Melbourne · Multi-Agency Strike Team · Sydney
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Seven insiders at freight forwarders and warehouses were arrested for smuggling illicit products into Australia. www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police seized $2.5 million in luxury watches and handbags, $300,000 in gold bullion, and 350,000 cigarettes. www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities seized more than 282,000 vapes valued at $21 million. www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Raids in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane uncovered $33 million worth of the drug 1-4 Butanediol. www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] The total value of seized vapes and illicit tobacco is estimated at at least $80 million. www.watoday.com.au · www.smh.com.au