Australian authorities dismantle multi-million dollar illicit tobacco ring

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and ACT Policing have disrupted a criminal network suspected of facilitating the large-scale importation and distribution of illicit tobacco. Through Operation Ondina, authorities targeted logistics, transport, and storage companies allegedly part-owned by a Chinese transnational organized crime network.

During raids in Sydney locations including Blacktown, Pennant Hills, and Barangaroo, investigators seized over 3.4 million illicit cigarettes, which represent an estimated $5.3 million in evaded duty. In Canberra, authorities restrained a Bentley Continental valued at approximately $500,000, two residential properties in the suburbs of Lawson and Bruce, and eight bank accounts linked to the syndicate.

The total value of seized and restrained assets exceeds $5 million. Two unlawful non-citizens were detained during the operation and transported to the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. Officials stated the operation marks a strategic shift toward dismantling the financial incentives and business models behind illicit trade rather than just seizing products.