Following Fintel Alliance intelligence generation around illicit cash activity, industry raised reporting on a NSW entity which was then referred to the Australia Federal Police (AFP) Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT).  

After the seizure of 4 million illicit cigarettes by the Australian Border Force’s (ABF) in a container arriving into Fremantle WA, a link was also identified relating to this entity in NSW, leading to the establishment of Operation SMOKEHAZE.

AUSTRAC worked with the AFP CACT to build an intelligence picture of the financial activity related to the operation.

On 3 September 2025, warrants were executed in NSW, where law enforcement officers seized more than $2 million in cash, counterfeit luxury goods valued at $100,000, electronic devices, and an alleged document pointing to false import activity.

Ahead of the raids, the AFP-led CACT had secured Supreme Court orders restraining two residential properties, a commercial factory, bank accounts, and a motor vehicle, all worth an estimated $22 million.

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the operation highlights the strength of AUSTRAC’s reach across multiple fronts.

“Our intelligence comes through multiple channels – from taskforces, partnerships, Fintel Alliance, to the many reports and datasets we receive every day,” Mr Thomas said.

“That gives us a unique vantage point to see the bigger picture around how criminals are moving and hiding illicit funds.

“This case shows the breadth of areas illicit tobacco touches – and how AUSTRAC connects the dots on multiple levels. 

“It’s how we make sure criminals feel the hit where it hurts the most – their profits.”

Investigations into the network remain ongoing.