An Indian national will appear in Brisbane, Australia, next month on charges of laundering more than $7 million in connection with an illegal tobacco network and providing false information to immigration authorities.The 33-year-old man faces multiple charges following an investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Authorities claim he helped move large sums of money through his bank account. Authorities said the funds were linked to the sale of illegal tobacco at several shops in Brisbane’s outer suburbs.Investigators further allege the man was living illegally in Australia and submitted fraudulent documents in an attempt to obtain permanent residency.On April 27, a search was conducted at a property in Coolaby with support from the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Queensland Police Service (QPS). During the operation, police seized approximately $70,000 in cash, four cell phones, business records and keys associated with the business storage facility. They also found several boxes of illegal vaping products, which were later confiscated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.The man was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime under $100,000, providing false or misleading information under immigration laws, dishonestly influencing a public official and possessing a commercial quantity of vaping merchandise. The most serious charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.The defendant will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 26, 2026, which will hear the case.
