Labor MP Khalil Eideh denies link to alleged illegal tobacco ring

PREMIER Daniel Andrews has flagged he will not immediately investigate links between a Labor MP and an alleged illegal tobacco ring operating in Victoria. The MP has denied any knowledge of the tobacco ring.

Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged he will not immediately investigate links between Labor MP Khalil Eideh and an alleged illegal tobacco ring operating in Victoria.

PREMIER Daniel Andrews has flagged he will not immediately investigate links between a Labor MP and an alleged illegal tobacco ring operating in Victoria.

Mr Andrews declined to comment on the allegations made against outgoing upper house MP Khalil Eideh this morning, saying the floods were his priority.

Fairfax Media has claimed a Cignall franchise operated by Mr Eideh’s brother Yousef, had sold a journalist packets of illicit, Chinese-made “Double Happiness” cigarettes.

The brand is common on the black market worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

It is also alleged the cigarettes were sourced from China and stored in a warehouse also owned by the family.

Khalil Eideh denied any suggestion of a link to him.

“There is no link whatsoever. I am not aware of any things — we are big family, more than 200 in the Eideh family. Everyone does his own business. The first time I heard about it ... (was) from (Fairfax Media).”

Labor sources say the allegations have sent shockwaves through the party.

It is understood Khalil Eideh has donated generously to party causes and any possible links to illegal money would be damaging.

Mr Andrews said “my concerns are very much into flood waters and I have absolutely no comment to make on that matter.”

He also refused to say whether he would be in contact with Mr Eideh regarding the claims.