By Anna Sargent of RNZ
A Christchurch man behind a major black market tobacco operation has been jailed for more than three years.
Zijing Yu, 42, was arrested in June last year after an illicit cigarette factory was uncovered by police and Customs.
The illegal operation imported more than 740kg of tobacco and 25,000 cigarettes.
Yu's offending was uncovered after he broke into a Customs-controlled area, where his undeclared tobacco shipments were being held pending clearance.
The Christchurch District Court heard Yu was a director of several businesses, which he used to conceal his imports - the largest of their kind in the South Island to date.
Judge Mark Callaghan said today that Yu knew what he was doing was illegal and he was motivated by greed.
"Your offending was large scale and it was sophisticated.
"A deterrent message must be sent to both you and to the wider community. Your conduct in both the illegal importation of tobacco and the burglary of the Customs facility must be denounced," Judge Callaghan said.
He acknowledged Yu had demonstrated great remorse and was deeply ashamed of his actions.
"You reported that you wanted to provide financial security and a better life for your family," the judge said.
"All the indications that I have seen are that you were previously a highly respected and regarded member of your community. I recognise that this offending was out of character for you and that the circumstances that you now find yourself in represent a significant fall from grace."
Yu previously pleaded guilty to nine charges including burglary, unlicensed manufacture of tobacco products and defrauding Customs of more than $1.5 million.
Customs' acting chief officer for fraud and prohibition, Bevan Cameron, said the size of Yu's illegal operation, the level of sophistication and the amount of tobacco involved made it one of the South Island's most significant seizures.
"Criminal groups will attempt to smuggle illicit cigarettes through air, sea cargo and international mail. Whichever pathway they choose, Customs is actively looking for them and intends to find them.
"Offenders need to know they will face consequences if they choose to trade in the illicit tobacco market.
"This man thought he was beyond the reach of the law and tried to evade NZ$1.56 million of potential revenue destined to pay for public services. He now faces jail."
Judge Callaghan sentenced Yu to three years and four months' imprisonment.
