Taskforce Lunar detectives have made arrests in connection to an offshore illicit tobacco syndicate leader involved in serious and organised crime.
A woman and a man were arrested yesterday morning (21 May) after police became aware high-end luxury goods, such as Rolex watches and cash, were being transferred offshore.
Police are continuing to investigate whether these items were purchased through illicit wealth.
The investigation commenced in March of this year following a referral from the Australian Border Force (ABF).
A 31-year-old Altona Meadows woman was stopped by ABF officials at the border as she was departing the country on an international flight.
ABF officials identified that the woman had two high end Rolex watches with a combined value of approximately $130,000, approximately $10,000 worth of male clothes and $5,000 USD in her possession.
Further enquiries revealed first and business class plane tickets had also been purchased in cash, valued at approximately $40,000.
A search warrant was executed by members from Taskforce Lunar at an Altona Meadows residential address on Wednesday morning.
A 31-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man, both from Altona Meadows, were arrested and interviewed by police.
The duo has been released and is expected to be charged on summons.
Approximately $13,000 cash and two Google Pixel phones and four Apple iPhones were seized from the property.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
