Cash allegedly found stashed in microwaves as part of major organised crime investigation

About $900,000 was allegedly found stashed in microwaves as part of an investigation into an organised crime group believed to be involved in the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products.

Hafez Kanjou, a 26-year-old man from Baldivis — about 45km south of Perth — allegedly co-ordinated the trafficking of illicit tobacco products from eastern Australian states before selling them at three tobacco stores in Perth.

The profits were then allegedly sent to an organised crime group in the eastern states.

The Australian Federal Police searched Mr Kanjou’s Baldivis home on Thursday along with a courier company from Perth’s south and storage facilities across the city under Operation Snug.

The operation was launched to investigate an organised crime group allegedly dealing in the proceeds of crime from the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products in WA.

About $900,000 worth of cash was found stashed in microwave ovens, set to be shipped to Melbourne, at a courier company, according to the AFP.

About 645,000 cigarettes, 19,000 vapes and 200 pouches of loose-leaf tobacco was also allegedly found at Mr Kanjou’s home and the storage facilities.

The 26-year-old was charged with one count of dealing with money or property, believed to be the proceeds of crime and at the time of the dealing the value of the money or property was $100,000 or more.

He was also charged with one count of possession of tobacco being an excisable good where excise duty is payable on the tobacco and the weight is 100kg or more.

Speaking generally, AFP Inspector Chris Colley said criminal networks used the profits from illicit tobacco sales to “support other serious criminal activities”.

“The AFP is dedicated to protecting the Australian community from serious organised crime syndicates by disrupting and dismantling these illegal operations,” Inspector Colley said.

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

“The message to these criminals is simple, the AFP won’t stop until it has shut down your illegal and harmful activities.”

Mr Kanjou fronted Perth Magistrates Court on Friday where he was granted conditional bail and a $50,000 personal undertaking.

He is next set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on May 9.