The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has seized $602,624 AUD and charged a 42-year-old Bankstown man and a 46 year-old Bankstown woman with offences related to dealing with alleged proceeds of crime.
On Saturday 23 February 2019, AFP National Response Operations conducted a search warrant on a Bankstown residence. During the warrant, AFP members located a black backpack, a cardboard box and Australian currency strewn across the ground and over the fence of a neighbouring property, where it had been allegedly thrown upon the arrival of police. A search of the neighbouring premises revealed $602,624 AUD located in a vacuum sealed bag.
In addition to the money, the AFP also seized multiple mobile phones, a laptop computer, foreign currency and torn-up overseas remittance slips.
AFP acting Commander, Manager Organised Crime, Peter Bodel said the investigation into this matter remains ongoing but it will be alleged the cash was the proceeds of criminal activity.
“Disrupting the movement of proceeds of crime such as cash and significant assets remains a key focus for our investigators,” acting Commander Bodel said.
“Our message to organised crime groups in Australia is clear – the AFP and its partners will continue to target your money and assets, seize them, and prosecute you to the fullest extent possible.”
The two were subsequently arrested and charged with dealing with money reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime worth $100,000 or more pursuant to section 400.9 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is imprisonment for up to three years or 180 penalty points.
Both were bailed and are scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (14 March 2019).
