Oliver Bailey, 37, Woodridge, charged over alleged $23 million tobacco shop empire fraud

A man accused of masterminding an alleged tobacco shop black market empire has faced court, charged with fraud totalling $23 million, possessing four fake IDs and $800k in cash at 10 properties.

Oliver Bailey, 37, from Woodridge (not pictured) was charged by police as CCC seizes million of dollars in illegal tobacco products,

A man accused of masterminding an alleged tobacco shop black market empire has faced court, charged with fraud totalling $23 million, after allegedly being found with four fake IDs and $800,000 in cash at 10 properties.

Oliver Bailey, 37, faced Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 31 charged with more than 50 serious fraud offences.

Police alleged the Woodridge man ran a black market tobacco shop empire across Queensland.

They said he was wanted by several Government organisations including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

On Tuesday, August 29 two of his shops in Cleveland and Capalaba were raided by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission as part of Operation Aberdeen.

Police raid an alleged illegal tobacco shop in the Redlands and later charged Oliver Bailey (not pictured), 37, from Woodridge. Image: 7NewsQld

The CCC seized more than $2 million in allegedly illegal tobacco products and vapes and allegedly found $840,000 in cash.

Mr Bailey was charged with nine counts of fraud totalling more than $100,000 and nine counts of obtaining or dealing with another entity’s identification.

He was also charged with a fraud offence totalling more than $30,000, forgery and a further 17 fraud offences.

The alleged fraud offences occurred across Logan and Redlands and dated back to 2020.

Police prosecutor Kalinda Cheung told the court Mr Bailey was still under investigation and further charges might arise.

Police have raided tobacco shops in the Redlands and charged Oliver Bailey (not pictured), 37, from Woodridge. Image: 7NewsQld

“These are very serious charges. It is alleged Mr Bailey acquired vast amounts of properties and vehicles from the money he obtained illegally by selling tobacco products,” she said.

“He allegedly opened eight fake bake accounts with four different fake identities connected to 10 different properties.

“He has allegedly avoided paying $6 million in tax.

“There may be further charges pending an investigation that involves a number of different government organisations.”

Ms Cheung said any further bail applications must be put in writing prior to a court appearance.

Defence lawyer Tamara Lawton request an adjournment to September 6 at Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

Mr Bailey remains remanded in custody.