From: Augusta Free Press
Proceedings in the federal trial of Wissam and Bassam Khalil of rhode island were halted last Thursday after the brothers pleaded guilty to their roles in a smuggling scheme that trafficked more than 6 million cigarettes from Virginia to rhode island over a two year period.
This is the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation which included extensive work and testimony by investigator Michael Wyatt of the Attorney General’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit. Seven people have been arrested on a variety of federal charges since the investigation began in 2012.
“Smuggling operations like this are essentially a form of organized crime that costs taxpayers millions of dollars in lost revenue each year,” said Attorney General Mark Herring. “Collaboration and coordination among state and federal partners were key to breaking up this multi-state operation. I appreciate the professionalism and hard work of my Tobacco Enforcement Unit in helping to put an end to this ring.”
