Two men have been charged after a coordinated police operation across Victoria and Tasmania allegedly uncovered more than $1 million in cash, illicit tobacco valued at more than $2.5 million, precious metals and multiple firearms.
The Australian Federal Police said the investigation, known as Operation Prism, focused on the alleged movement of criminal proceeds between the two states. Search warrants were executed in Tasmania and Victoria on August 11 following intelligence provided by Tasmania Police.
Three arrested during coordinated raids
A 33-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west and a 22-year-old man from Sorell, east of Hobart, were arrested during the operation. Both appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 12.
They were charged with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime. The allegations have not been proven, and both men are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The pair were granted bail and are due to return to court on December 2, 2026. A third man, aged 37 and also from Hoppers Crossing, was arrested before being released. Police said he was expected to be charged by summons.
Investigators allege the men used hire cars as well as a commercial passenger and freight vessel to facilitate the movement of cash and other suspected criminal assets between Tasmania and Victoria. Authorities have not alleged in the publicly reported material that the seized items themselves establish guilt.
Cash, tobacco and precious metals seized
According to the AFP, officers seized more than $1 million in cash and tobacco products with an estimated value exceeding $2.5 million. Nine kilograms of silver bars, valued at more than $30,000, and one ounce of gold, valued at more than $4,000, were also recovered.
The warrants additionally resulted in the seizure of five imitation firearms, including a gel blaster, three registered firearms, a .22-calibre rifle and ammunition. A cash-counting machine and mobile devices were among the other items taken by investigators for examination.
Images supplied by the AFP showed officers inspecting boxes of tobacco and making arrests during the operation. The seizures were made at properties in Melrose and Sorell in Tasmania and during coordinated activity in Hoppers Crossing.
Multiple agencies worked across Bass Strait
Operation Prism brought together the AFP, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Border Force. Members of the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Taskforce executed warrants at the Tasmanian properties, while Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce carried out the coordinated warrants in Melbourne.
AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano credited cooperation between Commonwealth and state agencies on both sides of Bass Strait for the result. The investigation began with intelligence developed by Tasmania Police’s Crime and Intelligence Command before authorities identified what they allege was the interstate movement of criminal assets.
The case illustrates the logistical challenge facing investigators when suspected criminal proceeds move across state borders using ordinary transport channels. Joint taskforces allow information, specialist capabilities and operational resources to be shared while each agency applies its relevant powers.
Serious penalties if allegations are proven
The AFP said the offences before the court carry a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment. Maximum penalties are reserved for the most serious examples of an offence and do not indicate what sentence, if any, would be imposed in this case.
The value estimates released by police may also be tested as the matter progresses through court. For now, the charges centre on the alleged handling of proceeds of crime, and investigators will continue examining the seized devices and other evidence.
The next scheduled court appearance for the two charged men is in early December. No finding has been made against either accused.
