Australia's Online Illicit Tobacco Market Surges Amid Gang Violence Criminal networks exploit postal services and high profit margins as regulators struggle to secure borders.
The Australian Border Force and federal health authorities are struggling to contain a rapidly evolving online black market for illicit tobacco. Criminal syndicates are now using sophisticated e-commerce websites and Australia Post to distribute cheap, illegal tobacco and vapes nationwide, bypassing traditional physical storefronts. To test the accessibility of these networks, investigators recently purchased a carton of illicit tobacco online for $150—one-third of the retail price of legal products. The transaction was completed via bank transfer and coordinated through WhatsApp, with the package arriving at a Melbourne office via standard express post within three business days. Amber Shuhyta, Australia’s Illicit…
