The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confiscated more than $700,000 in cash following a money laundering investigation that uncovered a large sum of unexplained funds being transported through Gold Coast Airport.
The AFP seized $712,850 in cash on 13 March 2024 after receiving intelligence that a person travelling from Queensland to Mildura, Victoria, was allegedly carrying a significant amount of money.
Police allege the cash was concealed across multiple bags belonging to a family travelling together. Investigators identified a 35-year-old Victorian woman as being linked to the hidden funds.
Following the seizure, her partner, a 36-year-old Victorian man, attended Gold Coast Airport and claimed ownership of the cash.
He was later charged with dealing in money or other property believed to be proceeds of crime worth $100,000 or more, under section 400.4(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) investigated the origins of the money but was unable to establish any legitimate source or explanation for the large amount of cash, particularly given the circumstances surrounding its collection and transportation.
On 23 July 2026, the District Court of Queensland granted restraint and forfeiture orders, resulting in the immediate forfeiture of the entire $712,850 to the Commonwealth.
The forfeiture followed the man pleading guilty to a Commonwealth money laundering offence on 5 June 2026. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with immediate release on a $5,000 recognisance.
AFP Acting Commander Tim Underhill said confiscating criminal assets was a key tool in disrupting organised crime and preventing criminals from benefiting from illegal activities.
“Asset confiscation is important to remove the financial benefit gained from criminal acts, including money laundering,” A/Commander Underhill said.
“The profits derived from criminal activity are often used to fund further criminal acts, which is why the AFP works closely with its partners in the CACT to target the proceeds of crime and ensure it is re-invested to benefit the community.”
The Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce, established in 2012, brings together agencies including the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre and Australian Border Force.
The taskforce combines the expertise of police officers, financial investigators, forensic accountants, litigation lawyers and partner agency specialists to identify and recover assets linked to criminal activity.
Confiscated funds are transferred into the Confiscated Assets Account, managed by the Australian Financial Security Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth.
The funds are then used to support community programs, crime prevention initiatives, intervention services and law enforcement activities.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
