The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) reported that financial intelligence generated through the Fintel Alliance’s Collaborative Analytics Hub helped the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) disrupt a criminal operation involving suspected money laundering and illicit tobacco, culminating in Operation SMOKEHAZE and significant asset seizures. The case began in December 2024 after intelligence on illicit cash activity and industry reporting on a New South Wales entity led to a referral to the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce, which used financial intelligence to identify suspected laundering of proceeds into Australian property. A separate ABF investigation started in August 2025 after 4 million illicit cigarettes were found concealed behind a wall of bricks in a container arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia, and AUSTRAC identified the convergence of the two investigations. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 4 million illicit cigarettes and over AUD 24 million in suspected crime proceeds, including two residential properties, a commercial factory, AUD 2 million in cash, luxury handbags and a Toyota Hilux.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) 2025-12-15
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre intelligence supports Operation SMOKEHAZE seizures of over 4 million illicit cigarettes and more than AUD 24 million in suspected crime proceeds
AUSTRAC reported that financial intelligence from the Fintel Alliance’s Collaborative Analytics Hub aided the Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police in disrupting a criminal operation involving money laundering and illicit tobacco, resulting in Operation SMOKEHAZE and significant asset seizures. The operation led to the confiscation of over 4 million illicit cigarettes and AUD 24 million in suspected crime proceeds, including properties, cash, and luxury items.