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Go Latest Media Releases Woman charged over alleged cigarette smuggling - Narwee

Friday, 20 November 2015 03:53:51 AM

Police have charged a woman after a vehicle stop uncovered illegally imported and counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated street value of almost $400,000.

About 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 19 November 2015), police from Central Metropolitan Highway Patrol stopped a Honda Accord at a stationary random breath testing site on Broad Arrow Road, Narwee.

Police noticed a number of large boxes in the vehicle and after making inquiries with the driver, a 55-year-old woman, decided to search the car.

As a result of the search police allegedly located about 100 cartons of cigarettes and $7,750 in cash.

The woman was arrested and taken to Kogarah Police Station.

Following further inquiries, police searched a storage shed in Kingsgrove where approximately 2000 further cartons of cigarettes were located.

Police believe these cigarettes are illegally imported and in some cases are counterfeit. The street value for the 2149 cartons of cigarettes is estimated at $386,000.

The woman was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and smuggling tobacco.

She was granted bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on 10 December 2015.

Inquiries are continuing and further charges are possible.

Site last updated: 5 Sep 2013

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THE AUSTRALIAN Woman charged over counterfeit ciggies

AAP NOVEMBER 20, 2015 10:29AM

ALMOST $400,000 worth of illegally imported and counterfeit cigarettes have been uncovered after a woman was pulled over for random breath test in south Sydney.

POLICE noticed large boxes in the 55-year-old woman's car when she was stopped in Narwee on Thursday afternoon.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 100 cartons of cigarettes and almost $8000 in cash, and a subsequent search of a Kingsgrove storage shed found another 2000 cartons of alleged illegally imported cigarettes valued at $386,000, police said.

The woman has been charged and was granted bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court next month.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/woman-charged-over-counterfeit-c... 25/11/2015 The Hon Peter Dutton MP Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

MEDIA RELEASE

25 November 2015

FIRST ABF STRIKE TEAM TOBACCO SEIZURE

The Australian Border Force (ABF) tobacco strike team has struck its first major blow against the illicit tobacco trade – seizing 10.6 million illegal cigarettes and seven tonnes of tobacco molasses bound for Melbourne.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton announced the strike team during a visit to the Container Examination Facility in Sydney last month.

Just two days later, on 18 October, ABF officers in Melbourne targeted a container from Singapore said to contain masking tape. On opening the container, the officers found 10.6 million cigarettes which would have attracted $5.6 million in duty if imported legally.

In the past week, the tobacco strike team has also seized two consignments of molasses tobacco totalling seven tonnes. One consignment was wrongly declared as herbal molasses, which doesn’t attract duty, and the other was consigned to a fake company. These goods would have attracted $4.7 million in duty if imported legally.

Mr Dutton said the seizures represented a significant blow to the ongoing attempts to smuggle illegal tobacco into the country.

“The ABF tobacco strike team has the resources and intelligence to identify high risk shipments before they arrive in Australia and the technology, including sophisticated x- ray capability, to target them when they get here,” Mr Dutton said.

“This type of border crime has the potential to deprive the community of legitimate tax revenue and more worryingly, fund serious and organised criminal enterprises.

“The ABF’s investigations into the shipments are continuing and will target the organisers, those who receive the illegal goods and other facilitators along the supply chain.”

People convicted of importing tobacco illegally face substantial financial penalties, calculated on the duty evaded, or up to 10 years in jail.

Further information: Minister’s office – 02 6277 7860

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Smuggling tobacco A WOMAN has been charged after police found illegally imported and counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated street value of almost $400,000 in her car at Menai last Thursday. About 3.30pm, the Highway Patrol stopped a Honda Accord at a stationary random breath testing site on Broad Arrow Road. Police noticed a number of large boxes and after making inquiries with the 55-year-old driver, decided to search the car. As a result police allegedly discovered about 100 cartons of cigarettes and $7,750 in cash. Following further inquiries, police searched a storage shed in Kingsgrove where about 2,000 further cartons of cigarettes were found. Police believe the cigarettes are illegally imported and in some cases are counterfeit. The street value for the 2,149 cartons of cigarettes is estimated at $386,000. The woman was charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and smuggling tobacco. Inquir- ies are continuing and further charges are possible. 1RY %DQNVWRZQ&DQWHUEXU\7RUFK6\GQH\ 6HFWLRQ(GLWLRQ&KDQJHVವ$UWLFOHW\SH1HZV,WHPವ&ODVVLILFDWLRQ6XEXUEDQ $XGLHQFHವ3DJHವ3ULQWHG6L]HFPtವ0DUNHW16: &RXQWU\$XVWUDOLDವ$65$8'ವ:RUGVವ,WHP,'

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EDFN Smuggling tobacco Woman had almost $400,000 in cigarette s

A W OMAN has been charged after police allegedly uncovered illegally imported and counter feit cigarettes with an estimated street value of almost $400,000. Continued page 3 Charged ove r smuggling cig s

From page 1 may conta in su bstances suc h Ab out 3.30pm last Th urs day, as as bestos, rat dropp ings, police from Central Metropoli - or mould. “Because it is be - tan Highway Patrol stopped a ing sold on the black market, Honda Accord at a stationary there is no regu lat ion, no qua l- random breath testing site on ity control and no health war n- Broa d Arrow Roa d, Narwee. ings, ” Mr Dow di ng sa id . Police noticed a number o f large boxes in the vehicle and after making inquiries with the driver, a 55-year-old woman, dec id ed to searc h t he car. As a result o f the search po - lice allegedly located about 100 cartons of cigarettes and $7,750 in cash. The woman was arreste d an d ta ken to Kogarah Police Station.Fol - lowing further inquiries, police searched a storage shed in Kingsgrove where approxi - mately 2000 further cartons o f ci garettes were locate d.Poli ce beli eve t hese c igarettes are il - legall y importe d an d in some cases are counterfeit. The street value for the 214 9 cartons o f cigarettes is estimated at $386,000.The woman was ch arged w ith know ingl y dea l with proceeds of crime and smuggling tobacco . Spokesman for international tobacco company Phili p Mor - ris, Simon Dowding said illegal tobacco is often processed in unsan itary con di tions an d Latest Media Releases - NSW Police Online Page 1 of 2

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Go Latest Media Releases Police raid tobacconists; seize illegal, counterfeit products - Liverpool

Tuesday, 21 July 2015 11:16:19 PM

Police seized almost $60,000 worth of illegal tobacco products and counterfeit electronics goods during raids on six tobacconists in Sydney’s south-west today.

The search warrants were the result of Strike Force Recnac, which was formed in April 2015 to investigate the sale of illicit tobacco products from multiple retail premises within the Liverpool CBD.

Police conducted five of the warrants simultaneously at 10am today (Tuesday 21 July 2015) at tobacconists on Macquarie Street and Bigge Street, and a mini-mart on Macquarie Street. A sixth warrant was carried out later in the day at another Macquarie Street tobacconist.

During today’s searches, officers seized almost $50,000 worth of illegal and/or counterfeit tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chop chop (loose tobacco), shisha-flavoured tobacco, and counterfeit plain packaging.

Police also allegedly located counterfeit electronics items – including cables, tablets and phones – with an estimated potential street value of more than $10,000.

In addition, police seized more than $7000 in cash; it will be alleged this is proceeds of crime.

The investigation continues.

Police urge anyone with information about illegal or counterfeit products to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Site last updated: 5 Sep 2013

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News from the Force Police seize thousands of packets of illicit tobacco in Campsie and

Our Social Media Footprint Hurstville

Police Assistance Line - 131 444 Friday, 21 August 2015 08:17:02 AM Police Strength and Operational Capacity ***Editor’s note: Vision and images from yesterday’s raids will be sent to media via Hightail shortly.***

Police seized thousands of packets of illicit tobacco during an operation in Sydney’s south yesterday (Thursday 20 August 2015).

The operation was undertaken by officers attached to the South West Metropolitan Region, Campsie Local Area Command, and St George Local Area Command, with the assistance of the State Crime Command Property Crime Squad, and targeted businesses believed to be involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.

Overall, police seized a combined total of 1,476 cartons of cigarettes (approximately 14,700 individual packets) from nine different retail businesses. The total combined retail value of the seized tobacco is estimated to be approximately $190,000.

The businesses – which were either tobacconists or supermarkets – were all located in either Campsie (five businesses raided) or Hurstville (four businesses raided).

During the operation, police also seized 57 glass pipes, used for smoking illicit drugs like ‘Ice’, from one of the tobacconists in Campsie.

The Commander of the Property Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said counterfeit cigarettes and illegal tobacco not only impact on the legitimate businesses they seek to exploit, but the wider economy as well.

“The sale of illicit tobacco generates significant profits, even when sold at much lower prices than those of legal products,” Det Supt Chapman said.

“However, unlike legal tobacco, no taxes are paid, robbing the economy of millions of dollars every year.

“This problem is not concentrated in any one area or suburb. It is a crime that affects numerous suburbs, towns and cities across NSW.

“The NSW Police Force and other government agencies are working hard to combat the illegal tobacco trade and, as this operation attests, we are attaining some excellent results. That said, the role the community plays in helping us combat illicit tobacco merchants cannot be overstated.

“If you have any information concerning the manufacture or distribution of counterfeit cigarettes, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please contact Crime Stoppers.”

Inquiries are continuing and all business owners will be formally interviewed in the coming weeks.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to illicit tobacco to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Raids on supermarkets, tobacconists and Site Web newsagents in Sydney nets 15,000 packets of 'fake' cut price cigarettes worth at least $190,000 ... as well as 57 pipes to smoke ice Major police operation in Sydney's south seized $190,000 worth of tobacco The nine businesses raided included tobacconists and small supermarkets Police also seized 57 glass pipes, used for smoking illicit drugs like 'Ice' Business owners will be interviewed by police in the coming weeks

By NAOMI TSVIRKO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

PUBLISHED: 17:14 EST, 21 August 2015 | UPDATED: 17:42 EST, 21 August 2015 Like Follow Daily Mail @DailyMailAU 36 3 Follow shares View comments Daily Mail

In a major police operation which involved raids of nine small businesses, officers have seized almost +1 15,000 packets of illicit tobacco - an estimated retail value of approximately $190,000. Daily Mail The operation that took place in the suburbs of Hurstville and Campsie in Sydney's south on Thursday

was part of an ongoing investigation targeting the sale of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes. DON'T MISS

Police also seized 57 glass pipes, used for smoking illicit drugs like 'Ice', from one of the tobacconists 'I thought he was in Campsie. going to punch me in Scroll down for video the face': Photographer claims Mel Gibson 'shoved her and spat in her face' after she tried to snap him with new girlfriend

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Ben Affleck's sacked nanny Christine Ouzounian 'offered $1 million to star in a +7 Batman v Superman porn parody film' Major police operation in Sydney's south seized $190,000 worth of tobacco from small businesses Gabi Grecko enjoys a The businesses that were raided included newsagencies, tobacconists and supermarkets. tactile display with

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/...205736/Police-raid-nine-small-businesses-seize-15-000-packets-illicit-tobacco-estimated-190-000-worth-57-glass-pipes-used-smoking-drug-Ice.html[8/24/2015 7:12:45 AM] Sydney Police raid small businesses and seize 15k packets of illicit tobacco | Daily Mail Online

Police have also released photos and a video footage of the raid on the NSW Police Official Facebook husband Geoffrey page that shows officers confiscating thousands of tobacco packets. Edelsten... less than a DAY after claiming their marriage is over SHARE THIS RELATED ARTICLES ARTICLE Imogen Anthony Harder than it looks! It's enough to make poses in nude slip for Amazing moment an your head spin - SIX of sizzling new shoot.. as African migrant... the best unique... she gives fans a taste of what to expect from new blog post The Commander of the Property Crime Squad, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said counterfeit cigarettes and illegal tobacco not only impact on the legitimate businesses they seek to 'He seems like a nice exploit, but the wider economy as well. guy:' Laura Dundovic 'The sale of illicit tobacco generates significant profits, even when sold at much lower prices than likes what she's seen of those of legal products,' Det Supt Chapman said. Sam Wood...as best friend Lana Jeavons- Fellows gatecrashes The Bachelor

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Police also seized 57 glass pipes, used for smoking illicit drugs like 'Ice', from one of the tobacconists in Campsie

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/...205736/Police-raid-nine-small-businesses-seize-15-000-packets-illicit-tobacco-estimated-190-000-worth-57-glass-pipes-used-smoking-drug-Ice.html[8/24/2015 7:12:45 AM] Latest Media Releases - NSW Police Online Page 1 of 2

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Go Latest Media Releases Thirteen charged, illegal tobacco importation syndicate shut down - Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce

Wednesday, 30 September 2015 12:35:15 AM

Thirteen people have been charged following Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce investigations into the alleged importation of large amounts of illicit cigarettes and tobacco using corrupt industry officials on the Sydney waterfront and in the maritime supply chain.

A quantity of cocaine has also been seized during the course of the investigation, while assets worth millions of dollars have been frozen.

Operation Minium was commenced in August 2014 by the Taskforce which comprises the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Border Force, and the Australian Crime Commission.

It will be alleged in court that a number of employees attached to customs brokerage companies and freight forwarding firms had received payments, each in the tens of thousands of dollars, to create false declarations and shipping documents to enable the importation of illicit cigarettes and tobacco.

That includes facilitating the passage of nine million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates which arrived at Port Botany this month and were seized by Polaris officers.

The cigarettes have a black market value of approximately $5.4 million and it will be alleged the illegal importation would have avoided tobacco excise and Customs duties of about $4.77 million.

Polaris officers have worked closely with Dubai Customs officials from the United Arab Emirates in relation to this phase of the investigation.

Police will allege in court that the syndicate had avoided more than $9.1 million in Customs duties in total in respect of 10 million cigarettes and 5.6 tonnes of tobacco during the course of the investigation. Detectives have also seized in excess of $700,000 during that time.

Police will also allege that shipments of illegal cigarettes and tobacco had been collected by a local syndicate for distribution throughout Sydney.

Further, a number of those in the syndicate were also involved in the supply of commercial quantities of cocaine, as well as offering to supply commercial quantities of cocaine. Approximately 270 grams of cocaine was seized during the investigation with a street value of around $184,000.

About 10am on Tuesday 29 September 2015, officers attached to Polaris, the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force and Australian Border Force executed search warrants on 17 properties in Sydney’s south and south-west. Twelve men and one woman were arrested.

Items seized during the search warrants include more than $400,000 cash, further cigarettes and documents.

The Australian Federal Police-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce brought urgent proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court to restrain assets held by individuals involved in the alleged syndicate. The Australian Federal Police has restrained several personal and business bank accounts as well as houses owned by individuals charged with involvement in the syndicate.

Polaris Waterfront Task Force Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said the arrests were part of a long- term investigation into Sydney's waterfront and logistics chain.

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0d... 9/30/2015 Latest Media Releases - NSW Police Online Page 2 of 2

“This operation has shut down a significant syndicate allegedly involved in facilitating the importation of illicit goods into the country and distributing those goods into the community, as well as trafficking in commercial amounts of prohibited drugs,” Det Supt Bingham said.

“The importance of a multi-agency taskforce that has the capacity to work with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and the shipping industry cannot be understated.

“This will send a message to those in the maritime sector and supply chain that the Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce has the capacity to undertake protracted investigations to combat these syndicates. Further arrests will take place in the near future.”

The arrests and charges include:

A 25-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more; supply prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the commercial amount; and supply (offer) prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the commercial amount.

A 24-year-old man who is a member of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang was charged with supply prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the commercial amount; and perjury.

A 37-year-old man who is a Customs broker was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; obtaining a financial advantage by deception; conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth; multiple counts of forgery in respect of shipping documents; and supply (offer) prohibited drug (cocaine).

A 40-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; obtaining a financial advantage by deception; possession of forged document; and possession of identification information.

A 32-year-old businessman was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth; dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $1,000,000 or more.

A 65-year-old businessman was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; multiple counts of conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth; dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $1,000,000 or more.

A 22-year-old man was charged with supply (offer) prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the large commercial amount; multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

A 37-year-old man who is an imports manager was charged with forgery in respect of shipping documents.

A 21-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

A 25-year-old woman who is a freight company operations manager was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

A 33-year-old man who is a Customs underbond warehouse manager was charged with forgery in respect of shipping documents; smuggling etc. tobacco products; dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $10,000 or more; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

A 45-year-old businessman was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; and intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more.

A 56-year-old businessman was charged with two counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more; and obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

Penalties include up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the smuggling and fraud offences, through to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the more serious drug offences.

Site last updated: 5 Sep 2013

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0d... 9/30/2015 01 Oct 2015 Australian Financial Review, Australia Author: Karlis Salna • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 57,243 • Page: 15 • Printed Size: 159.00cm² • Market: National Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 2,780 • Words: 399 • Item ID: 473881563

KarlisSalna will face court next month. ous and organised crime groups and The arrests come after a joint oper- transnational crime groups," he told A tobacco smuggling operation with ation involving the Australian Fed- reporters in Sydney. links to Middle Eastern organised eral Police, NSW Police and "They'll trade in tobacco, they'll crime and involving corrupt Sydney Australian Border Force, which trade in drugs, they'll trade in human waterfront workers has been shut began just over a year ago. beings." down after the seizure of millions of He said the same tactics could be cigarettes bound for black markets. used to smuggle guns and drugs. The syndicate, which allegedly Illicit tobacco is a "If they can turn a quick buck with shipped large quantities of cigarettes real priority for the relatively low risk then they'll do it, from the United Arab Emirates, is whether thaf s drugs, whether that's accused of paying kickbacks worth Australian Border tobacco or in some cases whether tens of thousands of dollars to Force because of that's people smuggling." employees from customs brokerage Police also seized $400,000 in cash and freight forwarding companies. the involvement of during the raids on Tuesday. Authorities expect to make further serious and About $2 million worth of assets arrests after 12 people, including one including bank accounts and proper- woman, were charged after raids at organised crime. ties had been frozen. 17 Sydney properties on Tuesday. Michael Outram It's alleged the syndicate imported Australian Border Force Deputy Two men faced Sutherland Local Commissioner more than 10 million cigarettes, Court on Wednesday on various including one shipment of nine mil- charges related to the illegal tobacco lion "Manchester" branded cigar- importation as well as the alleged Australian Border Force Deputy ettes, which was seized after arriving importation of 270 grams of cocaine. Commissioner Michael Outram said at Sydney's Port Botany last week, A third man, who is a member of the "sheer size of the profits" avaik and had a black market value of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle able in the illegal tobacco trade made about $5.4 million. gang, was also due to face the same it attractive to organised crime. More than $700,000 had been court on Wednesday over the cigar- "Illicit tobacco is a real priority for seized during the course of the ette syndicate and drugs charges. the Australian Border Force simply investigation. The remainder of the syndicate because of the involvement of seri- AAP 14 Oct 2015 Shepparton News, Shepparton VIC Section: General News • Article type : News Item • Classification : Regional Audience : 7,765 • Page: 9 • Printed Size: 34.00cm² • Market: VIC • Country: Australia ASR: AUD 131 • Words: 83 • Item ID: 480413340

IN BRIEF Illegal tobacco discovered Illegal tobacco sales in the Seymour area are being investigated by police. Seymour police interviewed a Sunbury man, 67, after a large amount of cash was found in his vehicle parked in Anzac Village. A Tallarook woman, 53, was spoken to by police after tobacco was found in an Anzac Ave business. Both will be charged on summons, the Sunbury man will be charged with possessing proceeds of crime and the Tallarook woman with possessing illegal tobacco. Millions of cigarettes smuggled into Melbourne seized in raids - ABC News (Australi ... Page 1 of 1

Millions of cigarettes smuggled into Melbourne seized in raids Snb_rcb Rf s / 3 Mar 0. / 3* 0803nk

Almost 6 million cigarettes smuggled into Australia by an illegal tobacco syndicate have been seized by Australian Border Force (ABF) members.

Three storage facilities and a number of homes in Melbourne's western suburbs were recently raided as part of a four-month investigation, ABF said.

Nearly 10 tonnes of tobacco products were discovered to have been smuggled into Australia from the United Arab Emirates in June.

It is alleged the smuggling ring was trying to avoid paying $2.7 million PHOTO: The smuggling syndicate was trying to in tax. avoid about $2.7 million in excise. (ABC News: Stephanie Ferrier)

ABF Assistant Commissioner Clive Murray said the seizure was the MAP: Melbourne 3000 result of a four-month investigation into a criminal group linked to the UAE.

"The illicit smuggling of tobacco into Australia is a key priority of the Australian Border Force, along with other operational priorities," he said.

"It is a key strategy for us to combat the importation of these illicit goods and in our efforts to combat, detect disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups attempting to disrupt our border."

The maximum penalty for tobacco smuggling is up to 10 years in jail.

"People who are importing illicit products, illicit tobacco, are generally involved in other organised crime and this is a huge haul," Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton said.

"These people are ripping off the Australian taxpayer because they're not paying excise that would otherwise be paid on these cigarettes," he said.

"We want to make sure that further detections like this are made and the Australian border force officers are working with the police agencies to make sure that we can find these hauls."

"To make sure that we can get them off the streets, too, get these cigarettes out of the hands of young kids."

'No evidence' to suggest illegal market linked to plain packaging

Tobacco companies have argued the Government's plain-packaging cigarette regulations would result in a spike in black market tobacco products.

But Assistant Commissioner Murray said there was no evidence to suggest that was happening.

"In the past three years there has been a significant increase in detections," he said.

"It could be attributed to our improved intelligence and cooperation with international partners, and our improved technical capabilities, but there is nothing to suggest the legislation has had an effect on that."

Topics: crime, law-crime-and-justice, melbourne-3000, vic

Dgpqr nmqrcb Rf s / 3 Mar 0. / 3* / . 834_k

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-15/millions-of-cigarettes-smuggled-into-melbou... 30/10/2015 The Hon Peter Dutton MP Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

MEDIA RELEASE

15 October 2015

TEN TONNES OF TOBACCO SEIZED IN MELBOURNE

An Australian law enforcement investigation has led to the seizure of almost 10 tonnes of tobacco products from a suspected organised tobacco smuggling syndicate in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Australia Border Force (ABF) officers recently executed search warrants on three storage facilities and a number of residential properties in which a large quantity of tobacco products, documentary evidence and other evidential material was seized.

Investigations initially commenced in June 2015 when approximately 10 tonnes of tobacco products comprising 5.9 million cigarettes were imported through air cargo from the United Arab Emirates.

This investigation follows other similar ABF operations, highlighting the extent to which organised criminal syndicates are attempting to profit from illicit tobacco. In this case, it involved the alleged attempted evasion of $2.7 million in Commonwealth tax revenue.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton praised the work of the ABF in the investigation.

“Combatting tobacco smuggling is a high priority for the Australian Government,” Mr Dutton said.

“This interception is an example of the valuable role our border protection agencies make targeting criminal syndicates and preventing them from generating profits which are often used to fund other criminal activity.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting our border protection agencies to implement a range of prevention, detection and disruption strategies to protect the Australian community and industry from black-market activity.”

The maximum penalty for tobacco smuggling is imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to five times the amount of duty evaded.

Further information: John Wiseman or Merryn Royle – 02 6277 7860

15 Oct 2015 Herald Sun, Melbourne Author: David Hurley • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Classification : Capital City Daily • Audience : 344,061 • Page: 9 Printed Size: 239.00cm² • Market: VIC • Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 13,271 Words: 331 • Item ID: 480948658

Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au) Page 1 of 1 back $2.7m black market cig haul Raids on storage units DAVID HURLEY the UAE. part of the Federal Govern- One of the key aims of the A STASH of illegal cigarettes ment’s work in targeting crimi- ABF is to target illegal tobacco valued at $2.7 million has been nal syndicates who profit from dealers. uncovered in Melbourne’s illegal tobacco to fund other In recent years the amount west, after a four-month Aus- illicit activities. of illicit “chop chop” and ciga- tralian Border Force operation. “This interception is an ex- rettes smuggled into Australia An organised crime gang ample of the valuable role our has risen dramatically. with links to the Middle East is border protection agencies Mr Dutton said the recent believed to have flown in the play in targeting criminal syn- seizure amounted to the six million cigarettes from the dicates and preventing them attempted evasion of $2.7 mil- United Arab Emirates. from generating profits which lion in taxes. ABF officers executed are often used to fund other The maximum penalty for search warrants at three stor- criminal activity,” he said. tobacco smuggling is up to 10 age units and several residen- “The Australian Govern- years in prison and a fine of up tial addresses in the western ment is committed to support- to five times the amount of suburbs in recent weeks. ing our border protection duty evaded. A large number of docu- agencies to implement a range An ABF spokesman said: ments and other evidence was of prevention, detection and “The ABF is conducting a also seized. Police have yet to disruption strategies to protect range of ongoing investiga- charge anybody in relation to the Australian community and tions related to the import- the seizure. industry from black-market ation of illicit tobacco. Immigration Minister Peter activity.” “The ABF has placed a high Dutton said the operation was Investigations began in priority on combating tobacco June when authorities became smuggling in collaboration aware that about 10 tonnes of with government, industry and cigarettes were imported by our international partners,” he air by a crime gang with ties to added. [email protected] The Hon Peter Dutton MP Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

MEDIA RELEASE

16 October 2015

RECORD ILLICIT TOBACCO SEIZURE LEADS TO NEW STRIKE TEAM

A dedicated Australian Border Force (ABF) strike team will target and disrupt serious organised crime syndicates smuggling illicit tobacco into Australia.

The Minister Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton announced the new team today after the ABF made its largest ever seizure of illicit tobacco in a single operation.

Seventy one tonnes of loose leaf tobacco was intercepted in three shipments destined for sale in Australia under Operation Wardite.

Illegal tobacco is sold at discounted prices to legal products. On the blackmarket this seizure would reap around $40 million - at normal retail prices it’s worth is almost $90 million.

It could produce around 88 million cigarette sticks or 3.5 million regular packets (25). If sold over a year it would equal 67,000 packets a week.

“This tobacco would have cost Australia over $27 million in legitimate tax revenue if it had been successfully smuggled into the country and sold here,” Mr Dutton said.

Forty seven tonnes of the tobacco was shipped into Sydney in two containers from Indonesia and intercepted in June.

The third shipment of 24 tonnes was seized by Indonesian authorities before it could be moved from Indonesia.

Mr Dutton said shipments of this size require a high degree of organisation.

“There are clear links to organised crime and we know that groups smuggling illicit tobacco into Australia are also involved in other illegal activities such as narcotics.

“The ABF is determined to disrupt their activities and the new ABF strike team will focus on the organised crime syndicates behind shipments like this and collect intelligence on their operations,” Mr Dutton said.

That information will be shared with other agencies and existing organised crime task forces.

Mr Dutton said the successful interceptions were the result of co-operative efforts of the ABF and Indonesian Customs.

“Their long, constructive links over many years are crucial in disrupting the operations of transnational criminal organisations dealing in illicit drugs and tobacco.

“I welcome the efforts of our Indonesian friends in achieving this outcome.”

The Sydney seizures follow the recent discovery of ten tonnes of tobacco products comprising 5.9 million cigarettes in Melbourne and the dismantling of two major organised crime groups smuggling tobacco - by Task Force Polaris in NSW and another ABF operation in Victoria over the past month.

Further Information - John Wiseman 0417 498 570 or Merryn Royle 0409 272 971 Print Article: 71 tonnes of illicit loose leaf tobacco worth $40 million seized Page 1 of 1

Print this article | Close this window 71 tonnes of illicit loose leaf tobacco worth $40 million seized

Paul Bibby Published: October 16, 2015 - 2:13PM

It was, as one observer remarked wryly, "a lot of smokes" - 88 million in fact.

In the largest operation of its kind in Australian history, customs officers have intercepted 71 tonnes of loose leaf tobacco being smuggled into Australia from Indonesia.

The haul has a black market value of $40 million and would have cost Australia more than $27 million in lost tax revenue had it hit the streets.

The seizure was the result of an operation involving co-operation between Australian and Indonesian investigators that had led to 47 tonnes of the illicit product being seized in two containers in Sydney in June, the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, said on Friday.

A third shipment of 24 tonnes was then seized by Indonesian authorities before it could be smuggled into Australia.

Seventy-one tonnes is the equivalent of 88 million cigarettes or 3.5 million packets.

"This tobacco would have cost Australia over $27 million in legitimate tax revenue if it had been successfully smuggled into the country and sold here," Mr Dutton said.

"There are clear links to organised crime and we know that groups smuggling illicit tobacco into Australia are also involved in other illegal activities such as narcotics."

He said a new strike force of 16 dedicated officers would be set up to target crime syndicates smuggling illicit tobacco into the country.

This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/71-tonnes-of-illicit-loose-leaf-tobacco-worth-40- million-seized-20151016-gkakmg.html

http://www.smh.com.au/action/printArticle?id=1001544424 10/16/2015 20 Oct 2015 Brimbank Weekly, Melbourne Section: General News • Article type : News Item • Classification : Suburban Audience : 42,774 • Page: 6 • Printed Size: 56.00cm² • Market: VIC • Country: Australia ASR: AUD 290 • Words: 119 • Item ID: 483505685

Briefs

Chop chop seized Nearly 10 tonnes of illegal tobacco was seized when Australian Border Force officers raided properties across the west, including a storage facility at Brooklyn. Officers say they have cracked a suspected organised tobacco smuggling syndicate. The raids were the culmination of a four-month investigation. In June, about 10 tonnes of tobacco products, or nearly six million cigarettes, was discovered to have been smuggled into the country via air cargo from United Arab Emirates. ABF alleges the syndicate was trying to evade $2.7 million in tax. Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton on Friday announced a new strike team to target and disrupt serious organised crime syndicates smuggling illicit tobacco into Australia. 21 Oct 2015 Maribyrnong Weekly, Melbourne Author: Goya Dmytryshchak • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Classification : Suburban • Audience : 26,082 • Page: 7 • Printed Size: 91.00cm² Market: VIC • Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 458 • Words: 185 • Item ID: 484384645

Nearly 10 tonnes of illicit tobacco was trying to evade $2.7 million in tax. seized when Australia Border Force Immigration and Border Protection officers raided properties across the west, Minister Peter Dutton on Friday including houses in Altona North and announced the formation of a strike Hoppers Crossing. team to target and disrupt serious Officers say they have cracked a organised crime syndicates smuggling suspected organised tobacco smuggling illicit tobacco into Australia. syndicate operating in Melbourne’s west. “There are clear links to organised Search warrants were also executed crime,” he said. “This interception is an at storage facilities in Altona North, example of the valuable role our border Brooklyn and Truganina. The raids protection agencies make targeting were the culmination of a four-month criminal syndicates.” investigation. The maximum penalty for tobacco In June, about 10 tonnes of tobacco smuggling is 10 years’ jail and/or a fine products, or nearly six million cigarettes, totalling five times the amount of duty were discovered to have been smuggled evaded. into the country via air cargo from United Arab Emirates. The ABF alleges the syndicate was

46,000 cigarettes seized at Melbourne Airport Border officials have foiled an attempt by a passenger to import 46,000 cigarettes through Melbourne Airport. The 48-year-old Victorian man was selected by Biosecurity officers from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for a quarantine inspection when he arrived on a flight from China on Friday (30 October 2015). An x-ray of his bags allegedly revealed a large quantity of undeclared cigarettes. The man was referred to Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for further questioning. On inspecting the man’s bags, officers allegedly found 22,600 cigarettes in one bag and an additional 23,400 in a second. Regional Commander Victoria/Tasmania Don Smith said the detection was an example of border agencies working together to protect the community from harmful goods and revenue crime. "Such a large quantity of undeclared cigarettes poses both a quarantine risk given the unknown source of the tobacco and a clear attempt to defraud Australian taxpayers of legitimate revenue," Regional Commander Smith said. The total duty payable on the cigarettes amounts to more than $28,000. If successfully smuggled into the country, the cigarettes could have been sold for more than $20,000 on the black market. Head of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Compliance Division, Raelene Vivian, said that Biosecurity officers were always on the lookout for prohibited goods in any form—not only those that pose a biosecurity threat. "Australia’s border protection agencies work together as the first line of defence against illicit goods that have the potential to harm the Australian community—whether this be narcotics, weapons or prohibited plant and animal products — and we take that responsibility very seriously," Ms Vivian said. The maximum penalty for tobacco smuggling is up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to five times the amount of duty evaded. Media enquiries

Department of Immigration and Border Protection Media: (02) 6264 2244

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Media: (02) 6272 3232

Attempt to smuggle over four million cigarettes into Sydney halted

20112015 Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized over four million cigarettes with an estimated tax evasion value of over $2.25million in Sydney on Wednesday, 18 November 2015.

The cigarettes were declared as carpet tiles in an attempt to avoid detection by ABF officers. The container, coming from Singapore, was identified and xrayed with anomalies immediately noticed before an unpack of the container confirmed officers’ suspicions revealing cartons of undeclared ‘Modeng’ brand cigarettes.

After identification, the container was moved to the delivery address where it was closely monitored by ABF investigators.

Officers took custody of an individual who arrived with a vehicle and trailer before opening the container.

Regional Commander NSW Tim Fitzgerald said the actions taken by officers in identifying, the managed delivery and execution of taking the suspect individual into custody demonstrated the lengths officers go to in ensuring smuggled tobacco or cigarettes products are stopped before they are released into the community.

“This was an attempt to defraud Australian taxpayers of legitimate revenue and the successful outcome sends a clear signal to those considering undertaking this illegal activity,” Regional Commander Fitzgerald said.

The individual faced court yesterday to be charged under Section 233BABAD of the Customs Act 1901 (smuggle tobacco). If found guilty the individual faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to five times the amount of duty evaded.

Media contact: Immigration and Border Protection (02) 6264 2244 21 Nov 2015 Herald Sun, Melbourne Author: Jon Kaila • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Classification : Capital City Daily • Audience : 347,230 • Page: 14 Printed Size: 154.00cm² • Market: VIC • Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 7,657 Words: 268 • Item ID: 500825912

A GREAT grandmother — JON KAILA described as a “quintessential Aussie battler — has been The court heard Billing sold caught selling illegal cigarettes an average of 15 boxes of illegal from a gift shop. cigarettes a day. They came in Ailsa Billing earned $420 a strengths of low, mid or strong. week cash in hand for selling Billing told police she chop chop from under the ordered the chop chop from counter of the shop on the the shop’s owner, listed in her South Gippsland Highway in phone as “Paul smoko owner”. Cranbourne. She denied knowing her An undercover raid by employer’s full name, or any- police found almost 300 boxes thing about him, and said she of illegal cigarettes in the back would leave an order note and of the shop, which she was sell- the cigarettes would appear in ing for $33 a pack. the storeroom overnight. Billing also offered senior She was paid by taking cash citizens a special “pensioner from the till each Saturday. pack” of 12 cigarettes for $5. The prosecution, acting on Despite the raid in July, Bill- behalf of Casey City Council, ing admitted continuing the said cases of people selling illegal operation. chop chop was increasing. Her defence described the Billing, who no longer great grandmother as “a quin- works at the shop, was placed tessential Aussie battler” who on a 12-month good behaviour simply worked at the shop and bond without conviction and had “a tough life”. ordered to pay half of the pros- But magistrate Dominic ecution costs, which were Lennon said it was “wilful $4793.59 in total. blindness”. [email protected] Seymour Telegraph - Paint stripper on car - 9 Dec 2015 - Page #4 Page 1of1

anesaay, uecemoer 1:1, ~u1:;, www.seymourtelegraph.com.au Paint stripper on car Seymour police are seeking make it less attractive to house on Friday afternoon, in forma ti on about damage Police Beat thieves. where a large, sophisticated coused to a cor parlced in a • A vehicle _parked on the cannabis hydroponic set up was supennnrket car park in Talla front lawn of a Ross St, Nagam· found. rook St. c::>~...... bie house was damaged over Acting on information re The car was parked around ~ night on Sunday. November 29. ceived, police attended the 3 pm on Wednesday afternoon, ...... The driver's side door was vacant house in McGregor Ave December 2. and when the t11ieves did not have any luck in spray painted with black paint. and discovered in excess of 200 owner returned about getting any fuel. •A Mercury outboard motor cannabis plants. in varying 15 minutes later, a substance • Police are urging residents was stolen from a boat stored in stages of growth. The most believed to be pnlnt stripper to ensure their trailers are ad an industrial yard in Vickers mature being about 150 cm tall. hnd been poured over the roof, equaiely secured after receiv Rd, Nagambie. sometime be Investigations are continuing causing significant damage. ing two recent reports of trailer tween Thursday, December 3 and at tnis stage no ch111·ges •Damage was caused to the lhefts. and Saturday, December 5. have been laid. glass wind break wall outside A trailer was taken from a • On Friday, December 4, • To keep up to date, check an Anzac Village busi ness Wimble St house front yard and officers from Serrnour Div out the Greater Shepparton around l am on TI1ursday, De another was moved in the y.ard isional Tasking Umt assisted by EyeWa.tch fncebook pnf;e. cember 3. a Pollard Sr house, both Mitchell Shire, e.xecuted a or search warrant at business which features police activities CCTV footage in the shOp sometime in the early hours of in Elnd around the Shepparton Saturday. December 5. premises in Keith St, regardin~ ping centre shows a group of the alleged selling of illicit shire. including Seymour and four - two males and two The trailer was left at the surrounds. stories about local Pollard St house because the tobacco. females - hanging around the A large quantity of packaged initiatives, good arrests, entrance of the supermarket thieves were unable to get it tobacco, loose tobacco and a appeals for witnesses and com with one of these males seen to past a car parked in the drive munity assistance to identify way. quantity of cash was seized. wanted people and suspects. kick the glass wall, causing the A 53-year-old Tallarook damage. Trailers should be secured in woman and n 46-year-old Sey Like the page to keep up to • Cars parked overnight on the backyard if possible with a mour woman are expected lo be date and you may e.ven be able Monday, November 30 nnd locking device attached. charged on summons with to help us solve some crimes. Tuesday morning at a Victoria F'or those that are unregister possessing the proceeds of •If anyone hos information St business had their fuel caps ed, taking n photograph will crime ond possession of illicit regnrding criminal activities forced open ht what police help to identify the trailer if it is tobacco. they can phone Crime Stoppers believe was on attempt to steal stolen. •The Divisional Tasking on 1800 333 000 anonymously. some petrol. Also marking it with an iden Unit also executed a drug For hnmedlate 11_01ice re It appears the would-be tifying number or name will search warrant at a Nagambie sponse phone Triple Zero (000).

http ://seymourtelegraph.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/services/PrintArticle.ashx?issue... 14/ 12/2015

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 15 December 2015

Man charged for evading more than $5 million of duty and GST in joint agency illegal tobacco investigation

A Greenvale man has been charged and more than nine million illicit cigarettes seized following a 12-month joint agency investigation that resulted in eight search warrants in Melbourne last week.

This joint investigation has also resulted in the restraint of $8.35 million worth of assets by the AFP’s Criminal Asset Confiscation Taskforce, alleged to have been derived from the proceeds of crime including bank accounts and nine properties located in various Melbourne suburbs.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers will allege that the man was involved in the importation of illicit tobacco products avoiding duty of more than $5 million and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

The multi-agency investigation began in December 2014 when the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) began investigating suspicious financial activities of businesses associated with the man. AUSTRAC financial intelligence also identified large suspicious money movements.

Five months later, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers seized in excess of nine million cigarettes and 44.5kg of molasses tobacco imported into Melbourne. The consignment was formally declared as printer and mobile phone accessories.

It will be alleged the illegal importation of the tobacco products was occurring via air cargo and had avoided payment of in excess of $5 million dollars’ worth of duties.

Following further investigation by the ACC, Victoria Police, AUSTRAC and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the matter was referred to the AFP in July 2015.

On Thursday 10 December, AFP officers executed search warrants on residential properties and businesses in the suburbs of Greenvale, Beveridge, Tullamarine and Fawkner.

A 40-year-old man from Greenvale was arrested and has been charged with:

1. Dealing in the Proceeds of Crime, contrary to section 400.3(2) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) 2. Smuggling of tobacco products contrary to section 233BABAD of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) 3. General Dishonesty, contrary to section 135.1(3) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)

The maximum penalty for these offences is a total of 17 years imprisonment, plus the amount of duty payable on the day the offence was committed, being $5 million.

The man was bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (Tuesday 15 December).

AFP National Manager Crime Operations Shane Connelly said this successful operation was a result of close cooperation and intelligence sharing between all agencies.

“This multi-agency agency operation is testament to our combined determination to disrupt and deter serious and organised crime by taking the profit out of crime”, Assistant Commissioner Connelly said.

“By targeting criminals and their assets originating from unexplained wealth we also prevent the reinvestment of their profits into future criminal schemes.”

ACC acting Executive Director Operations, Col Blanch, said organised crime is entrenched within the illicit tobacco market in Australia.

“Organised criminals perceive the illicit tobacco market to be a low risk, high profit enterprise. However, this investigation demonstrates that the risk is increasing,” Mr Blanch said.

“Law enforcement and regulatory agencies are targeting the illicit tobacco market, and will continue to do so.”

Media enquiries AFP National Media: (02) 6131 6333 ACC Media: (02) 6243 6843 Victoria Police Media: (03) 9247 5205 Australian Border Force Media: (02) 6264 2244 ATO Media: (02) 6216 1901 AUSTRAC: (03) 8636 0588

Police bust alleged illicit tobacco importation gang | HeraldSun Page 1 of 7

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Law & Order Police bust alleged illicit tobacco importation gang

 36 minutes ago  Jon Kaila Crime reporter Herald Sun

A file picture of molasses tobacco that was seized in a different raid by Customs.

POLICE have seized more than $8 million of assets after busting an alleged illicit tobacco importation gang.

A 40-year-old Greenvale man has been charged and is accused of smuggling in more than nine million illegal cigarettes, which would have avoided $5 million in tax.

He will appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

The cigarettes, and 44.5kg of molasses tobacco, was imported into Melbourne by air.

The consignment was declared as printer and mobile phone accessories.

Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force said it had been investigating for a year.

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http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/police-bust-alleged-illicit-tobacco-impo... 15/12/2015 Crossborder tobacco smuggling ring smashed

19012016 An Australian Border Force (ABF) interception at Adelaide International Airport has led to a man being charged in relation to the illegal importation of tobacco.

The man was allegedly involved in an elaborate organised crime syndicate responsible for importing large quantities of illegal tobacco into four Australian states.

On 15 January, the 24yearold Chinese man, who holds a student visa, came to the attention of ABF officers while attempting to reenter the country.

The ABF will allege in court that the baggage examination that followed revealed evidence of the man’s involvement in the illegal importion of tobacco.

ABF Regional Commander Central Region Rachel Houghton said the arrest highlighted the ongoing work undertaken by the ABF to combat this sort of illegal activity.

“The ABF takes a serious approach to all revenue evasion attempts and is working tirelessly to stamp out instances where this may occur, ” Regional Commander Houghton said.

On 16 January, ABF officers executed warrants at two premises and a storage unit in Adelaide and seized more than 150 items, including evidence of importing tobacco on an organised scale using multiple names and addresses in Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.

Approximately $50,000 cash and a 2015 Mazda 3 were also seized under proceeds of crime laws.

The man faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday (18 January) charged with importing tobacco products with the intention of defrauding revenue, contrary to the Customs Act 1901. He was remanded to appear before court again on 29 March.

ABF investigations are ongoing and more charges are possible.

Media contact: Immigration and Border Protection (02) 6264 2244 22 Jul 2015 AAP Newswire, Australia Author: AAP • Section: National • Article type : AAP Newswire • Audience : 0 • Page: 0 Printed Size: 0.00cm² • Market: National • Country: Australia • ASR: N/A • Words: 65 Item ID: 438204692

NSW:Police raids net $60k of illegal goods Police have seized almost 60,000 dollars worth of illegal tobacco products and counterfeit electronic goods during raids across Sydney's southwest. Six tobacconists were targeted yesterday morning by Strike Force Recnac, which was formed in April to investigate the sale of the illegal products in Liverpool. Almost 7000 dollars in cash was also seized which is alleged to be the proceeds of crime. AAP RTV

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` a a b c a d d e f g h i j e k j k l m k n o p k k n f j q d r f s k l r i h i i t u v v r r t o q w s o r x v n f j q d r f s k l o r j t ABF arrests two men over smuggled tobacco

An Australian Border Force (ABF) investigation has led to the arrest of two Melbourne men for various offences including the alleged importation of tobacco.

ABF officers, with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Victoria Police, yesterday executed a number of warrants across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs in relation to a suspected organised tobacco smuggling syndicate.

The inter-agency operation involved over 50 officers and the search of two residential properties, two storage facilities and one licenced customs brokerage, resulting in the seizure of evidential material, 14 pallets of tobacco products, firearms and ammunition, as well as a small amount of cash with further investigations continuing.

ABF officers arrested and charged two men with a number of Customs Act offences relating to the smuggling of tobacco products. They have been bailed to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 26 November 2015.

ABF Commander Immigration and Customs Enforcement Branch, David Nockels, said the outcome of yesterday’s warrants is the result of a major ABF operation into the syndicate involving detections at the border and working with international and domestic partner agencies.

“We use our intelligence-led, risk-based approach and border enforcement methodologies every day. The collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, such as in this operation, means we are well equipped to dismantle organised crime syndicates,” Commander Nockels said.

“We will continue our combined efforts to prevent, deter, detect and disrupt attempts to smuggle tobacco and cigarette products into Australia.”

The maximum penalty for tobacco smuggling is up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to five times the amount of duty evaded.

Media enquiries: Australian Border Force (02) 6264 2244

Media Release: Thirteen charged, illegal tobacco importation syndicate shut down – Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce - Australian Federal Police

MEDIA CENTRE Home Media centre Media releases Media Release: Thirteen charg...

Media releases Media Release: Thirteen charged, illegal tobacco importation syndicate shut down – Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce Video news items Release Date: Wednesday, September 30 2015, 07:10 AM

News feeds Thirteen people have been charged following Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce investigations into the alleged importation of large amounts of illicit cigarettes and tobacco using corrupt industry officials on the Sydney waterfront and The Blue Line in the maritime supply chain.

Publications A quantity of cocaine has also been seized during the course of the investigation, while assets worth millions of dollars have been frozen. Speeches Operation Minium was commenced in August 2014 by the Taskforce which comprises the Australian Federal Police, Facts and stats NSW Police Force, Australian Border Force, and the Australian Crime Commission.

About AFP Media It will be alleged in court that a number of employees attached to customs brokerage companies and freight forwarding firms had received payments, each in the tens of thousands of dollars, to create false declarations and shipping documents to enable the importation of illicit cigarettes and tobacco.

That includes facilitating the passage of nine million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates which arrived at Port Botany this month and were seized by Polaris officers.

The cigarettes have a black market value of approximately $5.4 million and it will be alleged the illegal importation would have avoided tobacco excise and Customs duties of about $4.77 million.

Polaris officers have worked closely with Dubai Customs officials from the United Arab Emirates in relation to this phase of the investigation.

Police will also allege that shipments of illegal cigarettes and tobacco had been collected by a local syndicate for distribution throughout Sydney.

Items seized during the search warrants include more than $400,000 cash, further cigarettes and documents.

Polaris Waterfront Task Force Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said the arrests were part of a long- term investigation into Sydney's waterfront and logistics chain.

“The importance of a multi-agency taskforce that has the capacity to work with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and the shipping industry cannot be understated.

The arrests and charges include:

A 24-year-old man who is a member of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang was charged with supply prohibited drug

http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/news/afp/2015/september/media-release-thirteen-charged-illegal-tobacco-importation-syndicate-shut-down[9/30/2015 8:55:23 AM] Media Release: Thirteen charged, illegal tobacco importation syndicate shut down – Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce - Australian Federal Police

(cocaine) not less than the commercial amount; and perjury.

A 40-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; obtaining a financial advantage by deception; possession of forged document; and possession of identification information.

A 37-year-old man who is an imports manager was charged with forgery in respect of shipping documents.

A 21-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

A 25-year-old woman who is a freight company operations manager was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

A 45-year-old businessman was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; and intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more.

Penalties include up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the smuggling and fraud offences, through to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the more serious drug offences.

Media contacts: Australian Federal Police: (02) 6131 6333 NSW Police Force: (02) 8835 8339 Australian Border Force: (02) 6264 2244 Australian Crime Commission: (02) 6243 6843

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http://www.afp.gov.au/media-centre/news/afp/2015/september/media-release-thirteen-charged-illegal-tobacco-importation-syndicate-shut-down[9/30/2015 8:55:23 AM] Print Article: AFP, crime squad raid milk bar in Melbourne's north linked to 'next gen... Page 1 of 1

Print this article | Close this window AFP, crime squad raid milk bar in Melbourne's north linked to 'next generation gangsters'

Tammy Mills Published: August 27, 2015 - 5:42PM

Black market cigarettes and more than $30,000 in cash have been seized from a Broadmeadows milk bar after raids by the North West Regional Crime Squad, Australian Federal Police and the Border Force.

Police say the raids are linked to an ongoing investigation into two syndicates operating in the city's north involving gangs of youths trading in illicit cigarettes and electrical products.

About $35,000 in cash and $20,000 worth of cigarettes were seized from two commercial premises, including a milk bar, in Broadmeadows about 12.30pm on Thursday, police say.

A number of stolen iPhones and iPads were also recovered.

Australian Border Force and AFP officers are investigating whether the cigarettes were illegally imported.

Victoria Police spokeswoman said two men aged in their 50s, from Broadmeadows and Meadow Heights, were in custody being questioned.

The arrests are linked to an ongoing North West Crime Squad investigation into two criminal syndicates that have fuelled police concerns about a growing gangster culture among young men in the city's north.

As revealed by The Age this week, police have charged more than 70 young men, some barely teenagers, with more than 400 offences including armed robbery, burglary, serious driving and firearm offences, within the last six months.

The investigation found the youths were members of two criminal syndicates that had stolen $3.3 million in cigarettes and electrical products - mostly iPhones and iPads - and sold-on for cash.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Cocks told The Age the money was spent on gambling, sex workers, designer clothes, drugs and stays at luxury city hotels.

"It's a fast and furious lifestyle where they spend as quick as they get it," Senior Sergeant Cocks said.

"It's a lifestyle where they party up, and party up could be anything from drugs, girls, to the casino."

In response, the force has taken the unusual step of employing a researcher in a bid to understand and engage disenfranchised young men.

The newly-formed North West Crime Squad was set-up by Victoria Police to probe mid-level organised crime in a region described by police as the state's "red zone" because of its high crime rate.

The Age reported in June that guns were being found every two days by police and there was a firearm incident, such as a shooting, every six days.

While gang members subject of the recent investigation have been found with guns, police said they were not engaged in firearm trafficking.

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/afp-crime-squad-raid-milk-bar-in-melbournes-north-linked-to-next- generation-gangsters-20150827-gj9cdi.html

http://www.theage.com.au/action/printArticle?id=999807462 8/28/2015

Wednesday, 30 September 2015 Thirteen charged, illegal tobacco importation syndicate shut down – Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce Thirteen people have been charged following Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce investigations into the alleged importation of large amounts of illicit cigarettes and tobacco using corrupt industry officials on the Sydney waterfront and in the maritime supply chain. A quantity of cocaine has also been seized during the course of the investigation, while assets worth millions of dollars have been frozen. Operation Minium was commenced in August 2014 by the Taskforce which comprises the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Border Force, and the Australian Crime Commission. It will be alleged in court that a number of employees attached to customs brokerage companies and freight forwarding firms had received payments, each in the tens of thousands of dollars, to create false declarations and shipping documents to enable the importation of illicit cigarettes and tobacco. That includes facilitating the passage of nine million cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates which arrived at Port Botany this month and were seized by Polaris officers. The cigarettes have a black market value of approximately $5.4 million and it will be alleged the illegal importation would have avoided tobacco excise and Customs duties of about $4.77 million. Polaris officers have worked closely with Dubai Customs officials from the United Arab Emirates in relation to this phase of the investigation. Police will allege in court that the syndicate had avoided more than $9.1 million in Customs duties in total in respect of 10 million cigarettes and 5.6 tonnes of tobacco during the course of the investigation. Detectives have also seized in excess of $700,000 during that time. Police will also allege that shipments of illegal cigarettes and tobacco had been collected by a local syndicate for distribution throughout Sydney. Further, a number of those in the syndicate were also involved in the supply of commercial quantities of cocaine, as well as offering to supply commercial quantities of cocaine. Approximately 270 grams of cocaine was seized during the investigation with a street value of around $184,000. About 10am on Tuesday 29 September 2015, officers attached to Polaris, the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force and Australian Border Force executed search warrants on 17 properties in Sydney’s south and south-west. Twelve men and one woman were arrested. Items seized during the search warrants include more than $400,000 cash, further cigarettes and documents. The Australian Federal Police-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce brought urgent proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court to restrain assets held by individuals involved in the alleged syndicate. The Australian Federal Police has restrained several personal and business bank accounts as well as houses owned by individuals charged with involvement in the syndicate. Polaris Waterfront Task Force Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said the arrests were part of a long-term investigation into Sydney’s waterfront and logistics chain. “This operation has shut down a significant syndicate allegedly involved in facilitating the importation of illicit goods into the country and distributing those goods into the community, as well as trafficking in commercial amounts of prohibited drugs,” Det Supt Bingham said. “The importance of a multi-agency taskforce that has the capacity to work with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and the shipping industry cannot be understated. “This will send a message to those in the maritime sector and supply chain that the Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce has the capacity to undertake protracted investigations to combat these syndicates. Further arrests will take place in the near future.” The arrests and charges include: A 25-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more; supply prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the commercial amount; and supply (offer) prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the commercial amount. A 24-year-old man who is a member of the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang was charged with supply prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the commercial amount; and perjury. A 37-year-old man who is a Customs broker was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; obtaining a financial advantage by deception; conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth; multiple counts of forgery in respect of shipping documents; and supply (offer) prohibited drug (cocaine). A 40-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; obtaining a financial advantage by deception; possession of forged document; and possession of identification information. A 32-year-old businessman was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth; dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $1,000,000 or more. A 65-year-old businessman was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; multiple counts of conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth; dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $1,000,000 or more. A 22-year-old man was charged with supply (offer) prohibited drug (cocaine) not less than the large commercial amount; multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth. A 37-year-old man who is an imports manager was charged with forgery in respect of shipping documents. A 21-year-old man was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth. A 25-year-old woman who is a freight company operations manager was charged with multiple counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth. A 33-year-old man who is a Customs underbond warehouse manager was charged with forgery in respect of shipping documents; smuggling etc. tobacco products; dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $10,000 or more; and conspiracy to defraud causing a loss to the Commonwealth. A 45-year-old businessman was charged with smuggling etc. tobacco products; and intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more. A 56-year-old businessman was charged with two counts of smuggling etc. tobacco products; intentionally dealing in proceeds of crime etc. money or property worth $100,000 or more; and obtaining a financial advantage by deception. Penalties include up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the smuggling and fraud offences, through to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the more serious drug offences.

Media contacts:

Australian Federal Police: (02) 6131 6333 NSW Police Force: (02) 8835 8339 Australian Border Force: (02) 6264 2244 Australian Crime Commission: (02) 6243 6843

13 Nov 2015 Herald Sun, Melbourne Author: Jon Kaila • Section: General News • Article type : News Item Audience : 344,061 • Page: 26 • Printed Size: 247.00cm² • Market: VIC Country: Australia • ASR: AUD 13,715 • Words: 337 • Item ID: 496573030

Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au) Page 1 of 1 Prison term chopped Six months for $2m hothouse tobacco grower JON KAILA tobacco, and the Federal Gov- Limited, said the tobacco black market had exploded in recent A MAN caught growing mil- ernment would have lost years with one in every seven lions of dollars of illegal “chop $2.2 million in taxes if it had cigarettes smoked in Australia chop” tobacco will serve just reached the streets. being illegal. six months in prison. The Australian Taxation He welcomed the creation Abud El Kerdi, 29, pleaded Office said El Kerdi — who of an Australian Border Force guilty after police discovered was unemployed — had taken strike team to tackle the issue. 35,000 plants growing in three out a commercial lease on the “I am sure the excessive to- large hothouses at a property property and was paying bacco tax increases introduced in Moorabool, in the state’s $4000 a month in rent. southwest. Judge Jane Patrick said El since 2010 will be identified as The discovery came after a Kerdi told a psychologist he one of the key reasons behind fire broke out at the Geelong- had borrowed money he the problem,” he said. Ballan Road property in Janu- couldn’t repay, and agreed to [email protected] ary last year. work off his debt by growing Twitter: @jonkaila A shipping container was the plants. Judge Patrick said she did set up as a water tank and irri- not think he was acting alone. gation system connected to a “He couldn’t have paid for dam via a pump. Police also it,” she told the court. found a cutting machine and El Kerdi faced a maximum large metal tobacco press in sentence of two years in prison, the garage of El Kerdi’s Hop- but Judge Patrick sentenced pers Crossing home. him to a year in prison with a The plants were about 2m release on good behaviour tall and yielded 35,760kg of after six months. green tobacco. A “chop chop” cigarette. The Commonwealth Direc- Nikitas Theophilopoulos, tor of Public Prosecutions said managing director of cigarette that equates to 4361kg of dried manufacturer Philip Morris Police smash illegal tobacco and drug syndicate, allegedly involving corrupt waterfront industry officials | The Australian

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WAYNE BERGMANN Successive governments have favoured Police smash illegal tobacco and drug multinationals over traditional owners. syndicate, allegedly involving corrupt waterfront industry officials

| THE DAILY TELEGRAPH | SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 12:00AM

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PM to launch UN seat bids PAUL MALEY, NEW YORK The Turnbull government looks to cast off the Abbott era’s scepticism of multilateralism diplomacy. The Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce arrested 11 people after 9 million illegal cigarettes, with an estimated value of $5.4 million, were seized. Source: News Corp Australia Ten reasons investors are petrified ROBERT GOTTLIEBSEN POLICE have smashed a multimillion-dollar illegal tobacco and drug There is now a deep fear in syndicate, allegedly involving corrupt waterfront industry officials. global markets about what is going to happen to Australia. The Polaris Joint Waterfront Taskforce arrested 11 people after 9 million illegal cigarettes, with an estimated value of $5.4 million, were seized. Key’s blunt message to Canberra NZ PM John Key meets Julie About 10am yesterday, officers attached to Polaris executed search warrants on 17 Bishop at the UN over the plight properties in Sydney’s south and southwest. of 200 New Zealanders held in Australian detention centres. Police will allege that a number of employees attached to customs brokerage companies and freight forwarding firms had received payments, each in the tens of Fine line between legacy, mutiny thousands of dollars, to create false declarations and shipping documents to enable DENNIS SHANAHAN, POLITICAL the importation. EDITOR Tony Abbott must defend his Polaris Waterfront Task Force Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick legacy himself because there is Bingham, said the arrests had “shut down a significant syndicate”. no one who will do it for him. Originally published as Cops smash illegal tobacco, drug ring Archbishop vows to fight DENNIS SHANAHAN, POLITICAL EDITOR     A complaint the Catholic Church has offended and humiliated gay, lesbian and transgender Australians looms as a test case.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/police-smash-illegal-tobacco-and-drug-syndicate-allegedly-involving-corrupt-waterfront-industry-officials/story-e6frg6n6-1227549832747[9/30/2015 9:16:39 AM] Thirteen charged after black market cigarette bust in Sydney - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

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Print Email Facebook Twitter More TOP STORIES Global markets follow Australian plunge, hit multi-year lows Thirteen charged after black market cigarette bust Australia seeks seat on United Nations Security Council in Sydney Police to search Bendigo Updated about an hour ago parkland for missing mother, after three charged with murder Police have disrupted a multi-million-dollar Uber legally able to enter Canberra market from late cigarette smuggling operation in Sydney, October involving corrupt waterfront officials, officers Italian man shot dead in first say. attack claimed by Islamic State in Bangladesh Officers from the Polaris Joint Waterfront Twitter looks beyond 140 Taskforce, which comprises the Australian characters with new product 'My life mistakes should be a Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force, wake-up call': Chris Brown Australian Border Force, and the Australian Crime Peter Greste formally asks Commission, charged 13 people following raids on Egypt's president for a pardon properties in Sydney yesterday morning. Engineer talks about uncovering Volkswagen's major corporate Those arrested were aged between 21 and 65, scam and have been charged with a range of offences, Chinese ambassador warns against letting FTA 'slip away' including smuggling and dealing with the proceeds Hodge, Gunston fail to train but of crime. Hawks not worried Afghan forces fight to retake Police said the group helped smuggle large Kunduz from Taliban quantities of illegal cigarettes and tobacco into Indonesian crew fighting fires Australia, including a shipment of nine million nears 21,000 as haze crisis continues cigarettes from the United Arab Emirates, which arrived at Port Botany this month.

The cigarettes had a black market value of about $5.4 million. PHOTO: Police say millions of dollars worth of cigarettes have been smuggled into Sydney. (Supplied: NSW Police) It is alleged employees attached to Customs brokerage companies and freight forwarding firms MAP: Sydney 2000 Syria Appeal were paid tens of thousands of dollars to create false declarations and shipping documents to enable the importation. For information on how you can help, visit abc.net.au/appeals Police said the shipments of illegal cigarettes and tobacco had been collected by a local syndicate for distribution throughout Sydney.

The syndicate had avoided more than $9.1 million in Customs duties.

The syndicate was also allegedly involved in the supply of commercial quantities of cocaine. 7.30: Watch now About 270 grams of cocaine was seized during the investigation, with a street value of around $184,000.

The AFP has restrained several personal and business bank accounts as well as houses owned by CONNECT WITH ABC NEWS individuals charged with involvement in the syndicate.

Topics: drug-offences, police, corruption, sydney-2000

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-30/thirteen-charged-after-black-market-cigarette-bust-in-sydney/6814976[9/30/2015 9:13:58 AM] Waterfront officials accused of taking kickbacks to help illegal tobacco imports

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Sydney waterfront employees have been accused of accepting lucrative kickbacks in return for allowing the passage of illegal tobacco into Australia.

A multi-agency operation has thwarted the alleged cigarette and tobacco racket, with police charging 13 people, including businessmen and a Lone Wolf bikie gang member. Most popular Seventeens raids were rolled out in Sydney's south and south-west on Tuesday with more than $400,000 in cash, cigarettes and documents seized. 1 Former ODPP solicitor Lisa Munro avoids jail Police will allege in court employees attached to customs brokerage companies and freight time ... forwarding firms received payments to create false declarations and shipping documents. 2 Sydney woman These actions allegedly enabled more than Advertisement ambushed, raped and 10 million cigarettes and 5.6 tonnes of robbed during ... tobacco to be illegally imported. 3 Mystery of final That included, police will allege, the moments before woman passage of nine million cigarettes from the left moving ... United Arab Emirates, which arrived at Port Botany this month. 4 Boiling water thrown at Hey Dad! actor Robert Police said they worked closely with Dubai ... customs officials from the UAE as part of this investigation phase. 5 Sydney motorists put on notice as city A local syndicate then collected the prepares ... shipments for distribution around Sydney.

As a result of the racket, the group allegedly avoided paying more than $9.1 million in customs duties on 10 million cigarettes and 5.6 tonnes of tobacco. HUFFPOST AUSTRALIA

Police allege some syndicate members were also dabbling in cocaine supply. Where's My Hoverboard? About 270 grams of cocaine worth $184,000 was seized during the joint Australian Federal Self Balancing Scooters Police, NSW Police and NSW Crime Commission investigation. Taking Over HuffPost Australia Assets, including houses, and bank accounts attached to some of those in the syndicate have been frozen or confiscated. 1 In 3 Suicide Attempts Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham said further arrests would take place in the future. Aren't Followed Up By Health Services "This operation has shut down a significant syndicate allegedly involved in facilitating the HuffPost Australia importation of illicit goods into the country and distributing those goods into the community, as well as trafficking in commercial amounts of prohibited drugs," the Polaris Waterfront Task Force commander said. LATEST VIDEO

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-allege-corrupt-waterfront-officials-helped-syndicate-bring-in-illegal-tobacco-20150929-gjxo5l.html[9/30/2015 9:18:09 AM] Waterfront officials accused of taking kickbacks to help illegal tobacco imports

"The importance of a multi-agency taskforce that has the capacity to work with authorities in More video the United Arab Emirates and the shipping industry cannot be understated." Featured Videos

The array of charges laid against 12 men and one woman included smuggling tobacco products, fraud and dealing with proceeds of crime.

The 24-year-old Lone Wolf gang member was charged with cocaine supply and perjury.

A 37-year-old customs broker was charged with smuggling, forgery, fraud and drug supply offences.

A customs underbond warehouse manager is facing charges of forgery, conspiracy to fraud Julia Gillard's advice to Tony Abbott and dealing in proceeds of crime. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard talks about her school years alongside US First Lady Michelle Obama during a discussion about the future of girls' education in New York Compare Health Funds and offers some tips to another former PM. Find Private Health Funds Quick & Easy in One Place! Flash storm hits the John Key's 'blunt' Petrol station fire south east" message for rescue a Australia" 'community thing'"

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