Why ‘cigarette smuggler’ tore shreds off a bumbling Watsford
Ryan Watsford was exposed as a bumbling criminal who couldn’t close a deal. On the other end of the phone tearing strips of him was the “professional cigarette smuggler” — who was in fact an undercover operative. READ THE TRANSCRIPT
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In a series of phone calls, Ryan Watsford was exposed as a bumbling criminal who couldn’t close a deal. On the other end of the phone tearing strips of him was the “professional cigarette smuggler” — who was in fact an undercover operative.
The undercover operative played the role of the nervous, paranoid crook who didn’t need Watsford. He threatened to walk away at any time.
The tactic got Watsford further on the hook.
November 10, 2016. 2.08PM
BELLEVUE HILL
WHATSAPP CALL
J Undercover operative Joe
R Ryan Watsford
R Two things they want to do. Burwood Shopping Centre because it’s halfway.
J Why the f**ck did I come here?
R Hear me out. We’ve got two things that they want to do. Where this is now Revesby. I wanted to talk to you in person and they’ve got the money for the two.
J Well, tell them to bring the f**king money here. Why did I come here?
R We’re doing the two. I know it’s a f**k around.
J Yeah, it’s a massive f**k around.
R I know.
J Why don’t they just bring the money here? I don’t get it.
R They want to take the truck, take it to Revesby.
J Just tell them to meet here. Bring the money, they can take the keys, take the truck to f**king Revesby unload it and then we can meet out there.
R We’re going to have to follow them.
J Follow who? What are you talking about.
R Come meet my mate.
J Let me f**king park.
R I know.
J It’s just frustrating man.
R How do you think I feel?
J When did you know about this?
R I just found out. I had to talk to you in person.
THE IBRAHIM TAPES: READ THE TRANSCRIPTS
‘I HELPED SALIM MEHAJER WITH HIS MONEY’
‘WHY AREN’T YOUSE DOING F**KING RACK AND SH*T?’
‘WE’RE LOOKING AT 20 YEARS JAIL, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN’
PARTYING IN THAILAND WITH THE IBRAHIM FAMILY
2.59PM
WHATSAPP CALL
J What’s the arrangements?
R Just come here.
J I’m not f**king … I’ve got the shits, I’m not driving back. These guys are all linked to my money guys, I’ve got to go back and explain why I’m coming back with 400 cartons (of cigarettes). You know what position this puts me in? You know my conditions. Tell me the arrangements on the phone.
R This is what we want to do.
J If you’re on the phone to him now tell him Mascot Bunnings.
R (Name removed) Mascot. Mascot.
R I’ll ring you back in one minute, I’m confirming it.
3.09PM
WHATSAPP CALL
R We have to go to Revesby. Everything’s there.
J Revesby? Alright, don’t worry about it.
R It’s the only way.
J No worries. Don’t worry about it.
R So what do you want me to do? The truck’s here. Let’s just get it over and done with bro.
J No worries man. I’ll let you know when the next batch comes in. I’ll get rid of these ones.
R Tell me what you want me to do.
J I’ve told you what I want you to do Ryan.
J Don’t worry about it, we’ll do it another time.
R Is that possible please mate?
J I said no. I said it has to be, I’m a man of my word. I told you that. I expected you to be the same. You told me something last night. We came to an agreement. You took me to the place and now this. You have embarrassed me in front of these guys (J’s cigarette suppliers) once again.
R Please mate. Just one sec.
J I’m not desperate to sell these to you. If the money’s not there, we’ll just do it another time. I’m in Mascot. I’m not driving around. I’ve got other shit that I need to be around for.
THE IBRAHIM TAPES: READ THE TRANSCRIPTS
HOW DEAL OVER SMUGGLED CIGARETTES TURNED UGLY
‘FOOLPROOF’ METHOD OF IMPORTING DRUGS INTO COUNTRY
‘I’VE GOT 50 KEGS OF COCAINE IN LEBANON READY’
3.13PM
WHATSAPP CALL
R Please I’m begging you. I’m begging you please. Please Joe can you come and talk to me.
J I’m not doing it. I’ll get some more in and you guys hopefully will sort yourselves out.
R Mate I need to f**king earn. Please. I’m begging you.
J I know you need to earn but like I explained to Nabs, I’m not desperate to get rid of these to you. I’ve got other buyers lined up. I’m getting rid of them. Ryan, there’s one way it’s going to happen. Now I’m starting to get the shits because they’ve backflipped on you. I don’t know who these people are.
R Can you come back here please.
J I come back there when there’s money there. Until then, bro, we’ll speak later.
R Alright ok.
Originally published as Why ‘cigarette smuggler’ tore shreds off a bumbling Watsford