Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad today seized over $1M cash and arrested five people as part of an investigation into a significant money laundering syndicate.
Warrants were executed at four properties in Whittlesea, Kalkallo and Epping (2) this morning and searches of the properties were then undertaken.
During the search of the Kalkallo address, police located approximately $1M cash throughout the property.
Searches of the other addresses uncovered more cash, along with gold, jewellery and drugs, believed to me methamphetamine and opium.
Two clandestine drug laboratories were also found contained within one of the Epping properties.
Five people have been arrested and will be interviewed, including:
• A 35-year-old Whittlesea man;
• A 36-year-old Kalkallo man;
• A 31-year-old Kalkallo woman;
• A 29-year-old Epping man; and
• A 34-year-old Epping woman.
It is expected that all five will be charged with an array of drugs and proceeds of crime offences.
The six-month investigation followed information provided to police in relation to money laundering and drug trafficking by a syndicate in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on organised crime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.vic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Superintendent Geri Porter, Crime Command:
"Today's arrests and seizures are testament to the work currently being done at the Criminal Proceeds Squad to proactively target money laundering syndicates choosing to operate within Victoria.
"One million dollars is not spare change - this is a significant seizure and one that will prevent that money being re-invested to cause further harm to the community.
"This outcome highlights the commitment by police to do everything we can to ensure criminals do not get to benefit from the proceeds of their crimes and that they are held accountable for their actions.
"We're also again seeing the links between organised crime syndicates and drugs, and being able to effectively shut down two drug labs and seize a quantity of what's believed to be methamphetamine is highly satisfying."
