Customs seized $18.5 million
From cigarette smuggling and money laundering cases.
According to a report, the Customs & Excise Department has confiscated $18.5 million in criminal proceeds from three people convicted in a cigarette smuggling and money laundering case.
The confiscation order was made last 15 May by the District Court, marking the first of such orders made under the Organised & Serious Crimes Ordinance in relation to cigarette smuggling.
Sixteen defendants were sentenced to up to 66 months in jail in 2010.
Customs officers applied to the court for the confiscation of the properties of the mastermind, his wife and sister.