Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigators have charged two Perth men after seizing around $6.5 million in cash from a Girrawheen property yesterday.
The men, aged 29 and 30, were arrested at the home, where investigators found one room believed to be used exclusively to count and package cash. Police will allege the money is the proceeds of crime
“Police seized approximately $6.5 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 AFP said in a statement today.
“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.
The men were refused police bail and are due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime offences. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Western-Central Command Assistant Commissioner Chris Craner said seizing cash allegedly linked to illegal activities is a critical part of the AFP’s strategy to cause maximum damage to organised crime.
“It takes the profit out of crime and prevents that money being used to fund future illegal activities, or enrich the lifestyles of those who prey upon and exploit our community,” Assistant Commissioner Craner said.
“We continue to work closely with our community to identify, disrupt and strip serious organised crime of their illegal profits.”
Anyone with information of suspicious activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report on the Crime Stoppers website.
