More than $11 million worth of luxury assets, including Rolex watches, Cartier jewellery, and artworks by Brett Whiteley, have been seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth following an AFP-led investigation into suspected proceeds of crime.
The Supreme Court of Victoria ruled in favour of forfeiture after an inquiry by the AFP’s Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT), which stemmed from Operation Fuji—an investigation into a major Middle Eastern organised crime syndicate. The syndicate was linked to firearms trafficking, large-scale drug importation, and illicit wealth accumulation.
Authorities uncovered significant criminal plots, including drug importation schemes orchestrated by syndicate leaders from within the prison system. Investigators also traced high-value assets back to crime syndicate members, suspecting they were purchased using illicit funds.
Seized assets include:
- A luxury yacht valued at $800,000
- An investment trust fund holding $450,000
- Five original paintings by Australian artists, worth $500,000
- Fine jewellery, including Rolex watches and Cartier bracelets, valued over $75,000
- 11 Melbourne properties in suburbs such as Mickleham, Malvern East, Essendon, and Moonee Ponds, collectively valued at more than $8.7 million
AFP Detective Superintendent Scott Raven emphasised that confiscating assets linked to criminal activity is a critical priority.
“The CACT’s investigators, forensic accountants, and litigation lawyers ensure people justify their wealth sources. If assets are not linked to lawful earnings, we will pursue them,” Detective Superintendent Raven said.
“Stripping criminals of their ill-gotten wealth prevents further crime and sends a clear message that crime does not pay.”
He stressed the importance of disrupting organised crime by eliminating financial incentives.
“Money is the lifeblood of organised crime, and cutting off illegal revenue helps prevent further harm to the community,” he said.
“It is rewarding to see these funds redirected to benefit law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives.”
The CACT, comprising the AFP, Australian Border Force, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and AUSTRAC, is dedicated to tracing, restraining, and confiscating criminal assets.
Forfeited assets are sold by the Official Trustee, with proceeds placed into the Confiscated Assets Account—a fund used by the Commonwealth for crime prevention, diversion programs, and law enforcement initiatives.
Australia’s proceeds of crime laws allow authorities to seize assets based on a civil standard of proof, independent of criminal prosecutions. These powers have enabled the CACT to restrain over $1.2 billion in criminal assets since July 2019, including homes, vehicles, luxury yachts, and fine art.
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