On 13 August 2026, investigators from the Multi-Agency Strike Team executed five warrants, dismantling two criminal networks allegedly built on illicit vape and tobacco importation. Seven people have been charged, and the dollar figure attached to the bust? an estimated $80 million.
The charge sheet is the important thing in a case like this. “Directing a criminal group” and “dealing with proceeds of crime” are not the same charge as importing vapes, and they are dealt with very differently.
What police allege happened
For this raid, two linked investigations were going on behind the scenes. Strike Force Borderdale ran since May 2025 and targeted the alleged importation and supply of illicit tobacco and vapes through a warehouse in Bankstown. This base was allegedly used to move goods around border controls. On the other hand, Strike Force Benberta was set up in December 2025, targeting a different illicit tobacco supply operation.
In 2026, searches allegedly recovered 91,000 vapes in February and another 191,654 in July. The August warrant round allegedly turned up $300,000 in gold bullion, $172,000 in cash, $1.5 million in luxury watches, two firearms, and 350,000 cigarettes.
That wasn’t all though. The NSW Crime Commission also froze over $25 million in more assets, including 14 properties and multiple business shareholdings. They did so under proceeds-of-crime powers, which operate independently of any criminal conviction.
Multi-Agency Strike Team investigations like this one draw on many different police departments, including the NSW Police Force, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force, the NSW Crime Commission, ACIC, AUSTRAC and the ATO.
Detective Superintendent John Watson spoke on the collaborative efforts, stating:
“When Commonwealth and NSW agencies combine intelligence, powers and capability, organised crime groups have nowhere to hide.”
The charges that carry the real weight
Vape and tobacco importation offences on their own are a known quantity. However, what separates this bust is a second layer of charges laid on top.
| Charge | What it actually alleges | Why it’s more serious than importation alone |
|---|---|---|
| Directing a criminal group | Person organised or controlled others in carrying out crime (not just committed an offence themselves) | Targets leadership and structure, not a single transaction |
| Dealing with proceeds of crime | Money or assets came from, or used to facilitate, criminal activity | Can attach to bank accounts, property and businesses years after the alleged conduct |
| Dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception | That false representations were made to gain a financial benefit | A fraud-based charge, separate from the importation offence itself |
Three men allegedly connected to Strike Force Borderdale each face six counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, five counts of dealing with proceeds of crime, and directing a criminal group. Additionally, three others allegedly connected to Strike Force Benberta face import and proceeds-of-crime charges.
None of the people charged in this operation has been convicted of anything. These are allegations before the courts, and everyone charged is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a full defence from a criminal lawyer.
Facing proceeds of crime or directing a criminal group charges?
If you’re ever charged following a multi-agency operation like this, the first thing to understand is that the charges you are facing are serious. A “directing a criminal group” or proceeds-of-crime charge changes sentencing, the evidence the prosecution relies on, and the defence strategy available to you.
Freezing and restraining orders over assets in NSW can be sought before any conviction and are dealt with separately from criminal charges. However, they are made under the Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime Act 1989 (NSW) and the Criminal Assets Recovery Act 1990 (NSW). If your accounts, property or business have been restrained, that’s a separate legal fight from the criminal matter and needs its own legal advice.
How O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors Can Help With Proceeds of Crime or Directing Criminal Group Charges
Charges arising from a multi-agency organised crime operation, whether that’s importation, proceeds of crime, or directing a criminal group, call for defence experience across all three. Our criminal defence team is led by an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, a credential held by fewer than 6% of NSW lawyers, and includes dedicated experience in this area of law.
We act for people at every stage, from the first police interview through to a Crime Commission examination or an asset-freezing order. If you’ve been charged, questioned, or served with a notice in connection with an operation like this one, get advice before you respond to anything.
Request initial advice (no-obligation) via the form below or call us on (02) 9261 4281.
Peter O'Brien is the Principal Solicitor of O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors and Australia's leading expert in intentional torts litigation, with over 25 years of experience securing landmark victories in malicious prosecution and unlawful imprisonment cases. Author of Intentional Tort Litigation in Australia and recipient of the Law Council of Australia President's Medal, Peter has achieved record-breaking compensation for clients and is widely recognised for his unwavering commitment to access to justice.
