Lunar seize approx. $350K of buried cash, three firearms, $120K of tobacco and $18K of vapes

Taskforce Lunar detectives have arrested a man and seized approximately $350,000 of hidden and buried cash, over 72,000 illicit cigarettes, 6kg of loose-leaf tobacco and over 450 vapes as part of an investigation into money laundering linked to the illicit tobacco industry.

With the assistance of Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit, two search warrants were executed this morning at a residential address in Kialla and a tobacco store in Shepparton.

A number of items were seized from the Kialla property, including:

• three firearms,
• ammunition,
• approximately 8,800 illicit cigarettes (tax evasion of over $13,112),
• approximately $50,000 cash hidden in a toilet cistern and
• approximately $300,000 cash buried in a container in the back garden.

A 61-year-old Kialla man is expected to be charged on summons with Commonwealth money laundering offences.

Approximately 63,520 illicit cigarettes (tax evasion of around $94,644), approximately 6kg of loose-leaf tobacco (tax evasion of around $12,842) and 456 vapes worth approximately $18, 240 were seized from the convenience store.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Media Unit
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