A 21-year-old Pakistani national faced Perth Magistrates Court on 20 June 2025 after Australian Federal Police (AFP) allegedly discovered about $100,000 in cash concealed in his luggage at Perth Airport.
The man was intercepted on 19 June 2025 while allegedly attempting to board a flight to Melbourne using a boarding pass issued under another person’s name.
The incident unfolded when airport security staff reportedly spotted a large amount of cash during routine x-ray screening of the man’s carry-on suitcase. After he collected his bags and left the screening area, staff notified the AFP.
Officers quickly located the man already seated on the Melbourne-bound flight. He was escorted off the aircraft, and a search of his belongings allegedly uncovered bundles of $50 notes hidden inside clothing items in his suitcase. Additional cash was also allegedly found concealed in a puffer jacket inside his backpack.
AFP Inspector Peter Brindal commended airport security for their vigilance and reiterated the agency’s commitment to disrupting criminal activity.
“The AFP works closely with partners to protect the community and Australia’s legitimate economy and ensure air travel is not used as part of the criminal supply chain.”
A formal count will confirm the exact amount of cash seized.
Further investigation revealed that the boarding pass the man used did not match the identification he was carrying.
He has been charged with:
- One count of dealing with proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, a $59,400 fine, or both.
- One count of obtaining an air passenger ticket with false identification, contrary to section 376.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison.
Insp Brindal added:
“Anyone detected travelling with large amounts of unexplained cash will be investigated to determine the legality of those funds.”
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