The WA Police Force launched an operation on 18 July 2025, working with Victoria Police, in response to violent incidents across illicit tobacco stores in Perth.
Between 10 July and 11 August 2025, WA Police responded to eleven alleged incidents of arson, criminal damage and firearm attacks. Investigators executed search warrants at multiple stores, seizing significant quantities of illicit tobacco products.
During this operation, investigators uncovered the man's alleged commercial-scale distribution of illicit tobacco, and money laundering across Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
The man allegedly oversaw a retail network of stores in Armadale, Byford, High Wycombe and Medina.
Between February and September 2025, he allegedly ran an organised criminal enterprise, moving illicit tobacco profits interstate, and generating large cash sums through cash-only sales, using nominee accounts, encrypted messaging and postal deliveries.
Between August and September 2025, nine parcels were intercepted, allegedly containing approximately $1.7 million in cash. Investigators will also allege more than 45 parcels - each holding between $155,000 to $220,000 in cash - were sent to Victoria, with a total value of more than $8 million.
WA Police believe the violent incidents at the Perth tobacco stores are linked to the man's alleged illicit tobacco operations and inquiries are continuing.
On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the WA Police Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Mount Pleasant and seized luxury high-end items worth more than $1 million - including two Lamborghinis, and designer fashion items.
The 31-year-old man from Mount Pleasant was arrested, and has been charged under the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 with 'Knowingly dealt with proceeds of crime to the value of $1,000,000 or more'.
He is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone with any information in relation to organised criminal activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Baker, Officer in Charge, Transnational Serious and Organised Crime Squad:
"This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling organised crime. We will pursue every avenue at our disposal to disrupt illicit networks and protect the community.
"Serious crimes that fuel organised networks, such as money-laundering and illicit tobacco distribution, threaten community safety. WA Police has zero tolerance for these activities and will continue to target those who profit from crime.
"Our message is clear, if you engage in illicit organised criminal activity, expect to be caught. WA Police will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure these criminal enterprises are shut down."
