Western Australian man jailed over $6.1 million in cash as result of Operation Ironside

A man has been sentenced to jail for his role in dealing in the proceeds of crime after $6.1 million in cash was discovered at a property in Western Australia in November 2020.

The discovery of the cash came as a result of intelligence gained from the AN0M platform during the AFP-led Operation Ironside.

The 30-year-old man, from Western Australia, was sentenced to five years jail on Wednesday (28 July 2021) and is the first person in Western Australia jailed as a result of Operation Ironside.

The man was arrested at a Girrawheen home on 26 November 2020, where investigators found one room believed to be used exclusively to count and package cash.

Police seized approximately $6.1 million, in predominantly $100 and $50 bills, which was sealed in cryovac bags and stored inside thermal shopping bags that were then bubble wrapped.

The bags were hidden in cardboard boxes among new clothing and polystyrene balls.

Two electronic currency counters and cryovac sealing equipment were among the other items seized.

AFP Western-Central Command Assistant Commissioner Chris Craner said seizing cash linked to crime is a critical part of the AFP’s strategy to cause maximum damage to organised crime.

“It takes money out of criminal’s pockets and prevents it being used to fund future illegal activities, or enrich the lifestyles of those who prey upon our community,” Assistant Commissioner Craner said.

“Thanks to Operation Ironside, this is just one example of taking away the dirty profits and delivering an attack on all fronts to organised crime in this country.”

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