The Shadowy World of Illicit Tobacco: A Case Study in Organized Crime The arrest of Bilal Bou Melhem, a 54 year old tobacconist from Sydney's suburbs, has exposed an illicit tobacco empire that spans international borders.
His lengthy criminal history and the discovery of over 250 kilograms of illicit cigarettes and $54,000 in cash suggest a sophisticated operation.
Bou Melhem's record includes an eight year sentence for attempting to acquire heroin smuggled in car parts.