Australian law enforcement agencies seized more than $2.5 million in illegal tobacco products and over $1 million in cash following a joint investigation across Tasmania and Victoria, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Two men appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 12, 2026, facing charges related to dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Joint Investigation and Court Appearances
The operation involved personnel from the AFP, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Border Force, as reported by the AFP. Investigators targeted the alleged cross-strait movement of criminal cash using hire cars and commercial vessels. Charges of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime were laid against both a 33-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, and a 22-year-old man from Sorell, Tasmania. According to the AFP, both men received bail to appear in court on December 2, 2026. A third man, aged 37 and from Hoppers Crossing, was also arrested during the raids and later released; he is expected to face charges via summons, per AFP records.
Coordinated Raids and Asset Seizures
The inquiry began with intelligence supplied by the Tasmania Police Crime and Intelligence Command, which tracked suspected asset transfers between the two states. On August 11, 2026, members of the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Taskforce executed search warrants at properties in Melrose and Sorell, Tasmania. Simultaneously, the Victoria Police VIPER Taskforce carried out coordinated warrants in Hoppers Crossing, Victoria. During these searches, officers seized more than $2.5 million in tobacco products, over $1 million in cash, nine kilograms of silver bars valued above $30,000, and one ounce of gold worth more than $4,000. The AFP reported that officers also collected mobile devices, a cash-counting machine, ammunition, a .22 rifle, three registered firearms, and five imitation firearms, which included a gel blaster.
Law Enforcement Response and Potential Penalties
AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano credited the arrests to strong collaboration between federal and state partners on both sides of Bass Strait. “This operation would not have been possible without the close cooperation between commonwealth and state law enforcement agencies,” Superintendent Imbriano said in a statement. Under Australian federal law, individuals convicted of dealing with the proceeds of crime face a maximum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, the AFP confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges do the accused men face?
The 33-year-old and 22-year-old suspects are each charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Which law enforcement agencies participated in Operation Prism?
The joint operation involved the Australian Federal Police, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Border Force.
What items were seized during the August 2026 raids?
Police seized over $2.5 million in illegal tobacco, more than $1 million in cash, nine kilograms of silver bars, one ounce of gold, multiple firearms (including registered guns and a gel blaster), ammunition, and a cash-counting machine.
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