Charges upgraded for Baldivis man accused of trafficking tobacco, hiding cash in microwaves

A Baldivis man is due to front the Perth Magistrates Court today over his alleged role in an illicit tobacco smuggling syndicate.

Hafez Kanjou is accused of coordinating the trafficking of illegal tobacco and vape products from the eastern states before selling them at three tobacco stores in Perth and then sending the profits back to an organised crime group over east.

The AFP charged the 26-year-old back in March after allegedly seizing bundles of cash that were hidden in microwaves waiting to be shipped to Melbourne.

The AFP also seized about 645,000 cigarettes, 19,000 vapes, and 200 pouches of loose-leaf tobacco at the other locations.  

Kanjou was initially charged with dealing with suspected proceeds of crime valued at $100,000 or more but a final tally of the cash seized increased to $1.2 million from the original estimate of $900,000.

He has now been charged with dealing with suspected proceeds of crime valued at $1,000,000 or more which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment, compared with 20 years’ imprisonment under the original charge.

AFP Acting Inspector Gabby Adam said the AFP remained committed to protecting the community from serious organised crime syndicates and the harm caused by their illegal operations.

“Criminal networks are driven by greed and will deal with any commodity they think they can make a profit from, then use that money to fund other serious illegal activities,” a/Insp Adam said.

“Criminals also have no regard for the significant health issues these products present for the Australian community and the burden they place on our health systems.

“Every time the AFP seizes illegal tobacco products and the cash involved in selling them, it disrupts the harmful impact of organised crime groups on our communities.”

Investigations remain ongoing.