A Chinese national has been charged with the importation of tobacco products with the intent of defrauding the revenue, after thousands of parcels suspected to contain illicit tobacco were shipped to ‘fictional’ PO Boxes in Victoria under a number of fraudulent identities.
In February 2020, the Australian Border Force (ABF) received information that over 16,000 parcels, all containing tobacco, arrived from China to a number of different PO Boxes opened using false identification.
On 3 February 2021, ABF officers arrested the 37-year-old Chinese man following warrants at an address in Glen Waverley, Victoria.
During the warrants, ABF officers seized $19,000 in cash, a card skimming machine, false passports and driver licences, and equipment used in the manufacture of fake identification cards.
Victoria Police also attended the warrant and seized a small quantity of cannabis and weapons.
The man appeared in Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on 4 February and was charged with one count of importing, with the intent of defrauding the revenue, in contravention of section 233BABAD(1) of the Customs Act 1901.
Acting ABF Commander Nick Walker commended the collaboration with industry, which enables the ABF to target a broad range of threats.
“Our capability to detect and disrupt criminal activity extends beyond the immediate physical border. This arrest should be a warning to any would-be criminal thinking of engaging in illegal activity.”
“The items seized under the warrant are indicative of a range of offences, from identity fraud to financial crime, and the consequences will be severe,” Commander Walker said.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs the Hon Jason Wood, congratulated the ABF on the successful operation.
“ABF officers work extremely hard to protect the Australian community from a wide range of illegal activity. They should be proud of their dedication and determination in working closely with partner agencies and industry bringing justice to the criminals involved.”
Anyone with information on suspected illicit activity in relation to tobacco, should report information to the ABF’s Border Watch program www.abf.gov.au/borderwatch
