Three members of the same family have been charged in Western Australia by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in connection with an alleged crime group involved in the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes. Zeanah Kanjou, 47, her 68-year-old father Brian Tanzo, and her 26-year-old son-in-law Ahmad El Ahmad were arrested this week following searches of multiple properties.
Arrests and Seizures
AFP officers seized approximately $1 million in cash and five tonnes of tobacco products during searches of homes, storage units, and a tobacconist. These searches were conducted in Mandurah, Busselton, and Bunbury, where around 30,000 vape products were also seized.
Approximately $800,000 cash and illicit tobacco products were found at a home in Mandurah, leading to Mr. Tanzo's arrest. An additional $240,000 cash was found at a home near Bunbury, where Ms. Kanjou was arrested. Police suspect the seized cash represents proceeds of crime, and Mr. Tanzo and Ms. Kanjou reportedly did not provide a reasonable explanation for the money's source. The AFP alleges that the seized products would have circumvented millions of dollars in Commonwealth excise and taxes if distributed.
Charges and Bail Conditions
Ms. Kanjou and Mr. Tanzo have each been charged with one count of dealing in the proceeds of crime, involving money or property worth $100,000 or more. Mr. El Ahmad was charged with one count of failing to comply with an order, after allegedly refusing police access to his mobile phone.
All three individuals were granted bail. Mr. Tanzo's bail conditions include reporting his passport to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade within 72 hours, remaining in Western Australia, and a personal bond surety of $50,000. His health condition was noted in court as potentially lowering his flight risk.
Mr. El Ahmad's surety was set at $1,000. He is prohibited from communicating with the co-accused or interfering with seized electronic devices. Ms. Kanjou's bail was set with a $50,000 bond surety and a $20,000 cash deposit. She is also not allowed to leave WA, communicate with the co-accused, or delete data from any devices.
All three are scheduled to return to court on March 20.