A Chinese transnational organised crime syndicate allegedly behind large-scale importations of illicit tobacco across Australia, specifically targeting the ACT, has been dismantled in a joint operation by the Australian Border Force and ACT Policing.
Two unlawful non-citizens were detained after officers raided properties across Canberra and Sydney, seizing more than 3.4 million illicit cigarettes.
As part of the operation, ACT Policing restrained a luxury car in Sydney, alongside two properties in the Canberra. The luxury vehicle, real estate, and eight linked bank accounts, collectively valued at more than $5 million, are suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Operation ONDINA was launched following intelligence from ACT Policing's criminal assets investigation team targeting logistics, transport, and storage companies tied to the illicit tobacco trade.
Investigators discovered these businesses were partially owned by the Chinese syndicate and could be facilitating the national distribution of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products.
On August 25, 2026, officers from the ABF's illicit tobacco taskforce and ACT Policing, supported by NSW police, executed search warrants in Blacktown, Pennant Hills, Sydney CBD, and Barangaroo.
Alongside the 3.4 million cigarettes, which represent roughly $5.3 million in evaded customs duty, officers seized five luxury designer handbags, digital evidence, and documentation.
The two individuals detained during the raids were transported by ABF officers to the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre pending visa reviews.
ABF Commander Greg Dowse, head of illicit tobacco and vape enforcement, said law enforcement remains focused on dismantling the business structures behind the syndicates.
"While removing illicit tobacco from the community is important, our objective is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the criminal business models and the people that sit behind these importations," Commander Dowse said.
"Criminal syndicates should be under no illusion. Law enforcement agencies both here and overseas are not operating in isolation, we are sharing intelligence, connecting investigations and coordinating action in ways that make it increasingly difficult for organised crime to hide their activities or their assets."
ACT Policing acting inspector for drugs and organised crime, Mark Battye, highlighted the broader community risks tied to the illicit trade.
"We know that organised crime groups will become involved in anything that will make money and illicit tobacco is no exception. They are also likely to be involved in other criminal offending such as drug trafficking and will use violence and intimidation to further their activities," acting Inspector Battye said.
Authorities suspect the syndicate is one of the primary domestic distribution networks linked to the 112 containers of illicit tobacco targeted under the multi-agency Project SEAHORSE announced last week.
Investigations into the syndicate remain ongoing.
