Nine properties in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown have been confiscated over links to an alleged tobacco black market operation

The combined value of the properties is thought to be around $5.7-million.

Open Justice reports the man who owns the properties is due in court later this month on several charges including defrauding Customs revenue, importing prohibited goods, and burglary.

It comes after Police raided an illegal cigarette factory, with 408 kilograms of tobacco and more than 11,000 cigarettes seized.

Police allege the operation was an attempt to evade over $850,000 in tobacco taxes.