Properties across Sydney raided in organised crime sting
A covert probe into suspected terrorism fundraising in southwest Sydney has allegedly unearthed a major tobacco importation and drug supply syndicate which police claim has dodged more than $9 million tax in 18 months.
NSW
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Detectives are investigating links between an alleged major illegal tobacco importation syndicate and the financing of international terrorism.
Heavily armed police raided 19 homes and business across Sydney on Tuesday, including a Bankstown restaurant.
The operation began when two men were arrested at a Sydney Olympic Park cafe.
During the struggle with officers, 39-year-old Ahmed Masri, who police allege was carrying $12,000 in cash, and a 38-year-old left $50 and $10 notes strewn all over the ground.
Masri was charged with participating in a criminal group and tobacco smuggling offences.
In all eight people, aged between 27 and 42, were charged.
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Strike Force DeHaar was set up in late 2017 to investigate links between terrorism financing and Sydney’s underworld when officers discovered links to the alleged tobacco syndicate.
Police received information the group was funding offshore terrorism organisations and through following the money trail, unearthed the multi-million tobacco syndicate.
“(Terrorism) was the focus of the investigation when it kicked off,” NSW Police Counter Terrorism Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said.
“We’ve uncovered what we allege is an organised crime syndicate. It’s quite clear … the nexus between organised crime and terrorism is very strong.
“The terrorism part of this is an ongoing investigation.”
Police allege the group’s core business allegedly involved smuggling tonnes of illicit tobacco into Australia, most recently from Dubai, and selling it across Sydney.
They claim the syndicate also engaged in drug dealing and money laundering.
The network allegedly imported seven tonnes of illicit tobacco worth $1.8 million and 475,000 packets of cigarettes — without paying $9 million in import duties on the packets.
Before Tuesday’s raid police had seized $1.2 million cash from the group’s allegedly illicit takings.
The fruits of the alleged crimes were visible in the luxury goods, including high-end designer handbags, police seized.
In Yagoona, Ali Khalil, 22, who was charged with participating in a criminal group and tobacco offences, was living in an unremarkable home with a luxury car and jet ski parked in the driveway.
One neighbour remarked: “I’m not surprised because it’s a housing commission home and they drive around in Maseratis, have this car and that car, a boat and jet ski.” Herbal shisha molasses and hookahs were seized at Bankstown’s Titanic Restaurant.
Originally published as Properties across Sydney raided in organised crime sting
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