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Editor’s note: Vision and images of case studies available via Hightail

The AFP has revealed some of the state-of-the-art technology used to locate the illicit treasure troves of criminals across Australia.

The AFP Forensic Search and Imagery Team has – for the first time – detailed some of its most advanced, key forensic technology helping investigators locate and seize illicit drugs, money and other objects hidden by criminals in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

The formerly secretive technology is part of a suite of high-grade AFP assets – including a range of radars, scanners and detectors that can locate items buried underground, concealed within concrete or solid objects and even underwater.

The AFP Forensic Search and Imagery Team has played a significant role in some of the country’s most high-profile investigations, including Operation Ironside and significant money laundering investigations.

Since the capability was established in 2011, AFP Forensic Search and Imagery has assisted a multitude of investigations across the country, locating millions in dirty cash and tonnes of illicit drugs.

AFP Crime Scenes Coordinator Andrew Parkinson said the team prides itself on disrupting crime by locating the illicit treasure troves criminals had attempted to hide.

“Criminals really don’t stand a chance against this sophisticated crime-fighting technology. The items this equipment can help investigators locate constantly surprises us,” he said.

“This capability has been a game changer in the way law enforcement can target and detect illicit items, from thousands of dollars in hidden money, through to piles of illicit drugs, and anything and everything in between.

“Our people have located items buried under houses, under poured concrete and even within the framework of motor vehicles.”

Andrew Parkinson said the team frequently assisted investigations for the AFP’s state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement counterparts.

“The AFP regularly deploys this technology to assist our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners, collaborating on investigations across a variety of crime types to target and identify offenders and their hidden illicit objects, wherever they may be concealed,” he said.

Andrew Parkinson said revealing the existence of this powerful technology should serve as a warning to criminals attempting to conceal illicit items.

“We have enough runs on the board to safely claim the AFP has the technology and the capability to locate and seize your illicit items. There is no such thing as a safe hiding place. If you want to hide something, we will find it, take it from you and bring you to account for any criminal acts.”

CASE STUDY 1:

Operation AVARUS FROST

• AFP Forensic Search and Imagery Team helped investigators locate illicit cash, cocaine and methamphetamine as part of Operation Avarus Frost.
• The team used specialised scanning equipment to identify three remote-controlled compartments hidden within the rear of the vehicle.
• Within the hidden compartments, investigators then located about $100,000 in cash, and methamphetamine and cocaine.
• The AFP charged an alleged member of a group of drug dealers and money launderers that were transporting drugs and cash around Sydney.
• A 25-year-old Sydney man was arrested in relation to the investigation.
• Read more about the arrest here.
• Vision of the arrest and officers deconstructing the car with hidden compartments is available via Hightail. 

CASE STUDY 2:

Operation AVARUS SOULSTORM

• Forensic Search and Imagery Team were deployed during an AFP search warrant in Sydney in 2022 as part of Operation Avarus Soulstorm.
• AFP investigators suspected a significant amount of cash was hidden inside the property, but could not locate it.
• The FSI Team used their expertise and specialised technology to identify a void space in the floor directly beneath a religious shrine within the home.
• Upon closer inspection, it was identified there was damage to the wooden areas of the shrine and markings, indicating some pieces had been repeatedly removed and replaced before.
• Investigators found bundles of illicit cash hidden underneath the shrine within the floor.
• Investigators located and seized around $2.6 million in cash, along with mobile phones, SIM cards, a large number of debit and credit cards, along with cash counting machines.
• A 57-year-old woman from Western Sydney was later convicted of money laundering offences.
• Images of the search warrant, religious shrine and cash seized is available via Hightail here.

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