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Emily Woods and Rachael Ward

THE TRUTH ABOUT: Alleged tobacco syndicate ringleader charged - The Untold Story

Tobacco Police Handout Victoria Victoria Police

Police allege Abdul El Houli orchestrated a scheme that dodged over $36 million in excise taxes. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

An alleged "ringleader" of a criminal tobacco syndicate has briefly faced court, accused of masterminding a scheme to distribute illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.

Abdul El Houli, 49, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday morning after being charged with 24 offences including unlawfully possessing tobacco and supplying illicit tobacco.

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