A joint operation between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Taiwan’s Customs Administration has been successful in seizing more than 20 million illicit cigarettes on their way to Australia from Vietnam.
The ABF Tobacco Strike Team (TST) identified two sea cargo containers of interest and its investigations revealed they contained the illicit cigarettes, which were seized by Taiwan Customs.
Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement Command at the ABF, Sharon Huey said the operation would have significant disruption effects for the illicit tobacco market in Australia.
“These cigarettes are worth about $14.2 million in evaded revenue and had they made it into the Australian market without duty being paid, that money would likely flow straight to other criminal pursuits,” Assistant Commissioner Huey said.
“The ABF works closely with our international partners to target illicit tobacco imports, particularly those with a high value of revenue evaded and those with links to serious criminal actors.”
She said the cooperation would be further enhanced under the recently announced Illicit Tobacco Taskforce, which would be led by the ABF and which would provide greater opportunities to tackle illicit tobacco before, at and after the border.
Director of Investigation at the Taiwan Customs Administration, Jack Chen said the successful interdiction highlighted the close working relationship and the effectiveness of the cooperation between Taiwan Customs and the ABF.
“To prevent smuggling and secure Government revenue are common goals of all customs administrations,” Mr Chen said.
“We are glad that, with the intelligence provided by the ABF, we were able to seize this illicit tobacco and thus achieve our goals.”
He said investigations into the source of the tobacco and those involved in the shipment were continuing.
