Taskforce Lunar detectives arrested two people during a raid at an Altona Meadows home on Wednesday May 21 morning as part of an investigation into the leader of an offshore illicit tobacco syndicate.
A 31 year old woman and a 33 year old man, both of Altona Meadows, were arrested as police executed a search warrant at the residence after becoming aware of high-end luxury goods, such as Rolex watches and cash, being transferred offshore.
Approximately $13,000 cash and two Google Pixel phones and four Apple iPhones were seized from the property.
The duo were interviewed by police and later released, but are expected to be charged on summons.
The investigation commenced in March this year following a referral from the Australian Border Force (ABF).
The Altona Meadows woman was stopped by ABF officials at the border as she was departing the country on an international flight.
ABF officials identified that the woman had two high-end Rolex watches with a combined value of approximately $130,000, approximately $10,000 worth of male clothes and $5,000 USD in her possession.
Further enquiries revealed first and business class plane tickets had also been purchased in cash, valued at approximately $40,000.
Police are continuing to investigate whether the luxury goods were purchased through illicit wealth.
Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
