A luxury home and legal office have been raided as part of a multi-million dollar money laundering investigation on the Gold Coast.
Australian Federal Police executed search warrants at the Hope Island home on December 4 last year, before raiding a solicitor’s office in Surfers Paradise on December 21.
During the raids, police allegedly uncovered about $1.95 million in cash and about $425,000 in cryptocurrency, as well as substantial financial records.
A 49-year-old man and 46-year-old woman, both Russian nationals, were issued with court summons to front Southport Magistrates Court today.
They are each facing three counts of dealing in the proceeds of crime – money or property worth $1,000,000 or more.
“Police will allege the Russian nationals laundered the alleged illicit cash by visiting various financial institution branches and automatic teller machines in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, conducting hundreds of cash deposits during 2022,” the AFP said.
“Police will also allege each of the cash deposits was kept under $10,000 in an effort to avoid detection by authorities”.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer slammed the alleged actions by the pair and others who partake in money laundering.
“Money laundering syndicates are sophisticated, international groups with one purpose – to provide a shadow economy enabling more crime,” Detective Superintendent Telfer said.
“While law-abiding Australians are paying their taxes and being good community citizens, organised crime gangs are using money gained illegally to increase their wealth.
“They are buying homes, commercial property and living large without the financial pressures felt by ordinary Australians.
“The money that is laundered through our economy bankrolls their lavish lifestyles and funds future crime, such as more illicit drug importations and weapons trafficking.”
