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27 November 2020, 1:28pm
Media Release

$6.5 million seized and two charged in WA investigation

UPDATED: ** Editor's note: vision and photographs are now available via Hightail**

Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigators have charged two Perth men after seizing approximately $6.5 million in cash from a Girrawheen property yesterday (26 November 2020).

Police executed a search warrant at the property and will allege the money is the proceeds of crime.

The men, aged 29 and 30, were arrested at the home, where investigators found one room believed to be used exclusively to count and package cash.

Police seized approximately $6.5 million, in predominantly $100 and $50 bills, which was sealed in cryovac bags and stored inside thermal shopping bags that were then bubble wrapped.

The bags were hidden in cardboard boxes among new clothing and polystyrene balls.

Two electronic currency counters and cryovac sealing equipment were among the other items seized.

The men were refused police bail and are due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (27 November 2020) each charged with:

  • Dealing in the proceeds of crime, money or property worth $1,000,000 or more, contrary to section 400.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

This offence carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.

AFP Western-Central Command Assistant Commissioner Chris Craner said seizing cash allegedly linked to illegal activities is a critical part of the AFP’s strategy to cause maximum damage to organised crime.

“It takes the profit out of crime and prevents that money being used to fund future illegal activities, or enrich the lifestyles of those who prey upon and exploit our community,” Assistant Commissioner Craner said.

“We continue to work closely with our community to identify, disrupt and strip serious organised crime of their illegal profits.”

Anyone with information of suspicious activity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report on the Crime Stoppers website.

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