A 32-year-old New South Wales man has been sentenced after he was caught carrying $618,360 in cash through Perth Airport, with authorities alleging the money was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The Kingsford man was travelling through the domestic terminal on 14 March 2023 when aviation security screening detected an anomaly in his suitcase.
Australian Federal Police officers attended and discovered a large quantity of cash inside the luggage. The money was subsequently counted and found to total $618,360.
The man told police the cash was connected to transactions involving tobacco businesses and said he intended to use it to purchase a tobacconist in Perth.
However, he was unable to provide documentation establishing the legitimate source of the money. He also told investigators that the proposed purchase of the tobacconist did not proceed.
The man was charged with dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime under section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The AFP subsequently referred the matter to the Australian Border Force, which investigated and prosecuted the man for separate customs-related offences.
He pleaded guilty on 15 June 2026.
In the Sydney District Court on 7 August, 2026, he was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment for the proceeds-of-crime offence. He received a total sentence of two years and six months for the customs-related offences.
The sentences will be served concurrently by way of an intensive correction order.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said authorities remained alert to attempts by organised crime groups to move large quantities of unexplained cash.
“Criminals who attempt to move significant amounts of unexplained cash through Australia’s airports should expect to attract the attention of law enforcement,” Det a/Supt Brindal said.
He said cooperation between law enforcement, aviation and security personnel had helped intercept the money.
“The AFP works closely with aviation and security partners to identify suspicious activity and disrupt criminal conduct,” he said.
“In this matter, the vigilance of security officers helped us to intercept this money.”
The AFP said it would continue targeting the movement of illicit cash suspected of being linked to criminal activity.
Authorities have also urged travellers and airport workers to report suspicious behaviour through Airport Watch on 131 237.
The AFP said behaviours of concern can include attempts to avoid security screening, leaving bags unattended, taking photographs of security infrastructure, loitering, concealing identity or displaying erratic behaviour.
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