The alleged "kingpin" of a money-laundering racket has been granted bail after being charged with offences linked to more than $9 million of illicit tobacco and vape sales.
Waqar Ali, 33, faces up to 20 years in prison following his arrest in a sting in central Darwin on Wednesday that seized thousands of vapes, almost 17,000 nicotine products and more than $70,000 in cash.
Judge Giles O'Brien-Hartcher granted Ali bail on strict conditions and a surety of $150,000 in Darwin Local Court on Friday.
Ali, who was in custody and did not appear in court, was charged with money laundering, possessing a prohibited import and supplying vaping goods.
The Pakistani national, who is in Australia on a skilled worker visa, has to surrender his passport, wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, report to police daily and present his mobile phones to police if directed.
Ali, who spent two nights in custody after his arrest, was also ordered to refrain from business activity and not approach prospective witnesses, including employees in his two corner shops.
He must also abide by a 9pm to 6am curfew at his home address.
Judge O'Brien-Hartcher noted Ali had no prior convictions and said the bail decision was "not an easy one" given the seriousness of the alleged offences and the large amount of money involved.
He said he had to have a high degree of confidence no further offending or breaches of bail would occur and under the law the accused was entitled to a presumption of bail for a non-violent offence.
The judge said he considered the public would not be "put in danger" by Ali being granted bail, and any risks could be mitigated by the strict conditions.
Ali's arrest followed a combined operation by Northern Territory Police and the Australian Border Force that identified about $9.36 million allegedly attributable to the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes.
The judge adjourned the matter to October 14.
