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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Nino Bucci Justice and courts reporter

‘Earn or burn’: the firebombings and underworld conflicts exposing Australia’s illicit tobacco trade

Tobacco Jason Kelly Victoria Dan Repacholi Police Melbourne the Australian Border Force
Victorian police and federal authorities executed warrants at a tobacco shop in Melbourne
Victoria police and federal authorities executed warrants at tobacco shops in Melbourne this week. Photograph: Victoria police

Before the firebombings comes the warning: “Earn or burn.”

It is a simple directive from organised crime syndicates to tobacco shop owners, to sell their illegal products. If they refuse their business will be torched.

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