Ahmed Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, alleged ‘key’ figure in tobacco wars, faced court charged with money laundering

An Adelaide man police allege is a “significant figure” in the underground tobacco war has faced court for the first time, charged with laundering more than $200,000.

An alleged “significant” figure in Adelaide’s escalating underground tobacco war wired $1.2m overseas and owns or is linked to a number of illegal tobacco stores, a court has heard.d

Ahmed Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 34, appeared by video link at the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was arrested on Wednesday after detectives from SAPOL’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch areas raided his home, several businesses and a storage facility as part of Operation Eclipse last month.

The Blair Athol man, who migrated from Iraq to Australia in 2000 and has three children, currently faces one charge of money laundering amounting to more than $204,750.

Court documents show police will allege the offence occurred in Blair Athol on September 5.

But police also alleged in a press release he is a “key figure” in driving the activities that have resulted in more than a dozen arson attacks targeting gift and tobacco shops and SA’s illegal tobacco trade.

Counsel for Mr Al Mansoury says his client denies the allegations against him.

The court heard Mr Al Mansoury is linked to a number of tobacco stores, allegedly operating Smokers Kingdom on Main South Road at Morphett Vale, which has no liquor or tobacco licence.

Earlier this month, authorities seized 119,263 illicit cigarettes valued of $95,410 and 49 kilograms of illicit loose tobacco valued at $24,500, among other items, from the store and delivery vehicle, the court heard.

Prosecution said a review of his mobile phone found he has been sending large sums of money overseas for real estate, including $1.2 million of unknown currency for a development project.

At least 16 arson attacks have been linked to shops selling tobacco, vapes and smoking accessories in recent months. Mr Al Mansoury is not charged in relation to any of these attacks.

In court on Thursday, counsel for Mr Al Mansoury sought bail but prosecution said it was opposed, saying the northern suburbs father was a flight risk and posed concerns to public safety.

Prosecution said police had information alleging Mr Al Mansoury was connected to Middle East organised crime syndicates involved with the importation, distribution and sale of illicit tobacco associated with money laundering.

“These syndicates are known to be targeting tobacco shops owned by rival syndicate members through firebombings and extortions both in South Australia and Victoria,” prosecution said.

However, Mr Sale said the most serious charge Mr Al Mansoury faced was money laundering and questioned the links to other crimes.

“Your allegation is that … the source of the money seems to be the sale of illicit tobacco. Is there anything that connects this man to any of those other crimes?” he said.

When asked about the matter of public safety concerns, the prosecutor said he was unable to answer at this time amid concerns he would be delving into sensitive police intelligence.

“My submission that this person is a significant part of that … unlawful trade,” the prosecutor added.

A police officer during the raid on a home and businesses during Operation Eclipse. Picture: SAPOL / SA Police

Illicit tobacco products seized during the raid. Picture: SAPOL / SA Police

A police officer during the Operation Eclipse raids. Picture: SAPOL / SA Police

Mr Sale said Mr Al Mansoury would remain in custody until next week’s hearing but he would order a home detention report.

The matter will return to court next week.

Originally published as Ahmed Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, alleged ‘key’ figure in tobacco wars, faced court charged with money laundering