1.8 million smuggled cigarettes, $2m seized

AUCKLAND: Customs has seized about 1.8 million cigarettes and more than $2 million cash in an investigation into an Auckland businessman.

New Zealand police have also restrained multiple properties, luxury cars and bank accounts.

The businessman was arrested by Customs at Auckland Airport last Wednesday as he attempted to leave the country.

He has been charged with defrauding Customs revenue.

‘‘The tax evaded by smuggling the 1.8 million cigarettes is almost $1.8 million,’’ Customs said in a statement.

The investigation began after Customs identified a company suspected of smuggling cigarettes inside sea containers. Customs, during a recent container inspection, located 340,000 cigarettes hidden inside metal cabinets.

A further 1.5 million cigarettes were found during searches at Auckland addresses.

Customs said the investigation found what was believed to be the largest tax evasion case involving smuggled cigarettes.

‘‘Customs has seen an increase in the commercial quantities of smuggled or misdeclared Chinesebranded cigarettes in recent years,’’ Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry said.

‘‘This investigation has uncovered the largestscale tobacco fraud to date, with the tax evasion already estimated to be at least $1.8 million.

‘‘Customs will not hesitate to identify and take action against those who seek to financially benefit from such illegal activity, including restraining the assets of the worst offenders,’’ he said. — RNZ