The AFP has charged four people and dismantled an organised crime syndicate suspected of laundering millions of dollars in criminal proceeds.
The AFP began an investigation in June, 2025, after receiving intelligence from law enforcement partners.
The syndicate is suspected of coordinating the collection of criminal proceeds through cash handovers. The cash was deposited into online banking accounts allegedly linked to the syndicate, then swiftly transferred into cryptocurrency.
It is alleged the syndicate washed illicit profits on behalf of organised crime figures attempting to avoid detection from authorities.
The AFP alleges the group laundered large sums of cash, almost daily, during the six-month investigation. The total amount laundered is suspected to be in the tens of millions of dollars however the exact amount is still under investigation.
During the past week, the AFP, with significant support from Victoria Police's VIPER Taskforce and the Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, executed multiple search warrants in the Melbourne suburbs of Doncaster, Doncaster East, Box Hill, Forest Hill, Vermont, Balwyn, Wantirna and Southbank. Police seized more than $1.5 million in cash, two firearms, a large amount of illicit tobacco, luxury watches and handbags, cash counting machines and multiple electronic devices.
A Box Hill woman, 39, and a Southbank man, 36, have been charged with knowingly dealing in the proceeds of general crime, money or property, worth $10,000,000 or more, contrary to Section 400.2B(3) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Both were bailed to appear in before the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (19 December, 2025).
Two Doncaster East men, 34, and 41, were charged with knowingly dealing in the proceeds of general crime, money or property, worth $1,000,000 or more contrary to Section 400.3(1B) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Both were bailed to appear in before the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (19 December, 2025).
The investigation into the network remains ongoing and further charges are expected.
AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said laundered cash was the lifeblood of organised crime and the AFP continued to work closely with local, national and international law enforcement partners to dismantle syndicates profiteering from these criminal activities.
"The AFP is relentless in tracking down criminal networks who launder dirty money through Australian financial systems and will not hesitate to prosecute those who prop up organised crime," Det Supt Butcher said.
"This criminal activity is not only bankrolling high-flying lifestyles, but it is often funding future criminal activity by offshore and Australian syndicates and undermines Australia's national security and economy.
"I extend my thanks to Victoria Police for their support and expert assistance and to the AFP members for their tireless work to ensure that crime does not pay."
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