Cybercrime Squad detectives have laid additional charges against four people as part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in money laundering and identity theft across NSW.
In April this year, detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Bilkurra to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in cyber-enabled fraudulent activity including identity theft and money laundering.
Investigations identified that stolen personal identification information was used to acquire fraudulent credit cards, which were then used to obtain cash, cryptocurrency, telecommunication equipment and household goods.
On Wednesday 26 August 2020, Strike Force Bilkurra investigators executed three search warrants at homes at Eastgardens, South Coogee and Randwick.
During the searches, detectives seized more than 150 mobile phones and more than 300 sim cards, as well as computers and electronic equipment.
Officers also seized $11,580 cash, more than 300 credit cards, personal identification documentation and about 18g of a white substance believed to be methylamphetamine (ice).
Luxury handbags valued at $50,000 and two vehicles – a Land Rover and Holden Commodore – were also seized. All items will undergo further examination.
So far during the investigation, detectives have arrested three men – aged 27, 41 and 44 – and two women – aged 42 and 52. All five were charged and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives have laid a total of 16 additional charges against three men aged 44, 41 and 27 – and a 42-year-old woman at Central Local Court today (Thursday 14 January 2021).
A 44-year-old man was charged with six additional offences including four counts of possess identity information to commit indictable offence, direct criminal group, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal.
A 42-year-old woman was charged with seven additional offences including six counts of possess identity information to commit indictable offence and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal.
A 41-year-old man was charged with two additional offences including possess identity information to commit indictable offence and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal.
A 27-year-old man was charged with an additional offence of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal.
Police will allege in court that the syndicate dealt with proceeds of crime worth more than $700,000 and accessed about 20,000 personal identification documentations.
Five people have now been charged with a total of 119 offences following investigations under Strike Force Bilkurra, which are continuing.
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