Arabic version: عملية شرطة مشتركة تضبط تبغاً ونقوداً وأسلحة نارية

According to ABC News, a multi-agency police operation in Victoria and Tasmania has resulted in three arrests and the seizure of illicit tobacco, cash, precious metals, firearms and ammunition.

The investigation, known as Operation Prism, examined the alleged movement of millions of dollars in cash from Tasmania to Victoria. Australian Federal Police said investigators alleged the criminal proceeds were moved between the states using hire cars and a commercial passenger and freight vessel.

A 33-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, and a 22-year-old man from Sorell, Tasmania, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 12. They were charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime, and were bailed to return to court on December 2, 2026. A 37-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested and later released, with police expecting to charge him by summons.

Search warrants were executed on August 11 at properties in Melrose and Sorell, Tasmania, and in Hoppers Crossing, Victoria. Police said they seized tobacco products valued at more than $2.5 million, more than $1 million in cash, nine kilograms of silver bars worth more than $30,000, and one ounce of gold worth more than $4,000.

Officers also seized five imitation firearms, including a gel blaster, three registered firearms, a .22 rifle, ammunition, a cash-counting machine and mobile devices. AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano credited cooperation between commonwealth and state agencies. The AFP said the men face a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment if convicted.