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.

Police allege he orchestrated a scheme to distribute about five million cigarettes, seven tonnes of loose leaf tobacco and more than 5000 vapes over a 10-month period, dodging more than $36 million in excise taxes.

He allegedly tapped into connections or criminal associates working in freight and logistics, with the products hidden in orders for kitchen items or clothing brought in by air cargo or ship.

El Houli and his co-accused, Yusu

See Full Page