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PayDay News | Australian Payments News

Meta’s $10B blind spot for illegal tobacco and gangland payments

Technology Reporter
8 Apr, 2026
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Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Technology Reporter
8 Apr, 2026
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Facebook and Instagram have become a digital shopfront for criminal tobacco gangs and the payment platforms, including Stripe and PayPal, that enable their operations – all delivered by Australia Post.
Meta’s $10B blind spot for illegal tobacco and gangland payments
Australia's Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner Erin Dale says illegal tobacco and vape advertising "undermine our regulatory framework" and "pose significant risks to public health

Facebook and Instagram have become a digital shopfront for criminal tobacco gangs and the payment platforms, including Stripe and PayPal, that enable their operations – all delivered by Australia Post.

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