Perth man charged after investigation into organised crime and tobacco store attacks
WA Police have seized a range of cars and luxury goods as part of an investigation into organised crime. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)
In short:
A 31-year-old man has been charged for his alleged involvement in the distribution of illicit tobacco across WA, Victoria and New South Wales.
He is accused of running an organised crime enterprise through a network of Perth stores, before sending the profits interstate.
Police say the man's alleged operations are linked to attacks on Perth tobacco stores earlier this year.
Police have charged the man they allege is at the helm of an organised crime syndicate distributing black market tobacco in Perth.
The 31-year-old man is accused of overseeing a network of retail stores across Perth's suburbs including High Wycombe, Byford and Armadale.
Police allege he ran an organised criminal enterprise and sent the profits from illicit tobacco sales interstate.
Nine parcels, allegedly containing about $1.7 million in cash, were intercepted between August and September.
Police said another 45 parcels were sent to Victoria, allegedly holding a combined amount of more than $8 million.
Arrest linked to attacks
The investigation which led to the man's arrest first launched in July following a spate of attacks on tobacco stores in Perth.
Between July 10 and August 11 WA Police responded to 11 alleged incidents of arson, criminal damage and firearm attacks.
Smoke Station in Cannington was one of the stores targeted in attacks on tobacco stores earlier this year. (ABC News: West Matteeussen)
During the police operation, investigators uncovered the man's alleged commercial-scale distribution of illicit tobacco and money laundering which stretched across WA, Victoria and New South Wales.
Police believe the incidents at the Perth tobacco stores were linked to the man's alleged operations.
Ballajura City Shopping Centre's Candy Store was shot at and set alight several months ago. (ABC News: Cason Ho)
"While he's not been directly implicated in those matters themselves, his involvement from what we can see extends to overseeing the actual organised crime network itself," said Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Baker.
"The reach of the syndicate is significant."
Not just cheap cigarettes
On Tuesday police executed a search warrant at the man's Mount Pleasant home and seized luxury high-end items worth more than $1 million, including two Lamborghini cars and designer fashion items.
"[With] tobacco people think 'oh it's just a couple of smokes', but what's behind me is the profits," Detective Senior Sergeant Baker said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Baker said luxury goods worth more than $1 million were seized during the investigation. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)
"You're lining the pockets of organised criminals so that they can live a good life, and that's through the sale and supply of illicit tobacco directly.
"It's just not on. We're not going to tolerate it."
The 31-year-old man at the centre of the investigation will remain in custody until his next court appearance. (ABC News: Grace Burmas)
The 31-year-old Mount Pleasant man appeared before Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday and will remain in custody until his next appearance.
Investigations are ongoing.
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