Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a couple as part of an ongoing investigation into identity fraud and cryptocurrency laundering, NSW Police say.
In March 2018, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Breabank to investigate purchases being made online using stolen and fraudulently obtained credit card information.
Further inquiries revealed 45 companies had been opened, as well as numerous bank accounts, which were receiving cash deposits, which investigators will allege were proceeds of crime.
Police will further allege in court more than $300,000 was transferred to digital currency and distributed into cryptocurrency accounts offshore.
Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Breabank detectives, assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad, executed a search warrant at a Wiley Park home about 6.30am today (Thursday 27 September 2018).
During the search, police seized computers, laptops, electronic storage devices, mobile phones, and documentation.
A 32-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested at the home and taken to Campsie Police Station.
The man was charged with 35 fraud-related offences, six identification fraud-related offences, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court tomorrow (Friday 28 September 2018).
The woman was charged with 12 fraud-related offences.
She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday 9 October 2018.
Police are also conducting inquiries with Australian Border Force in relation to the couple’s immigration status.
Investigations under Strike Force Breabank are ongoing.
Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, said cryptocurrencies pose a significant challenge for law enforcement both here and abroad.
"The semi-anonymous and decentralised nature of many cryptocurrencies make it desirable for criminal activity, particularly for those groups who are operating offshore," Det Sup Katsoginannis said.
"While there are various levels of regulation across the globe, cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia come under the scrutiny of AUSTRAC, which strengthens our capability to monitor and investigate illicit transactions.
"The sharing of financial intelligence and information of all currencies can only help to minimise the risk of criminal groups conducting ‘business’ without detection."
Reports of online fraud can be made to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or at a local police station.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to organised fraudulent activity, email/online scams, or other cybercrimes to call Crime Stoppers.
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