The ABF began an investigation in January 2018 after a number of consignments of illicit cigarettes from China were identified by officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway.
Working closely with Australia Post, ABF investigators identified a contracted delivery driver, allegedly linked to the consignments.
ABF alleges that the individual was using his position to facilitate the importation of the tobacco, which was sent to fake addresses in Panania, Picnic Point and Revesby in Sydney, and was intercepting the consignments.
ABF Investigations Commander Graeme Grosse said the operation will have a significant disruption effect on the illicit tobacco market in Sydney with about 350,000 illicit cigarettes and 1,200 kg of tobacco seized.
The 35-year-old has since been terminated from his employment. He was charged with illicit tobacco offences under the Customs Act and will next appear at the Bankstown Local Court on 15 August.
The maximum penalty for tobacco smuggling is ten years imprisonment, and penalties of up to five times the amount of duty evaded can also be imposed by the courts.
The illicit tobacco market in Australia is worth about $600 million a year in evaded revenue and targeting it is key operational priority for the ABF.
In addition to operations like these, the ABF is also leading the new Illicit Tobacco Taskforce that combines the resources of the ABF, Department of Home Affairs, ACIC, the Australian Taxation Office, AUSTRAC and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
