An AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) investigation has resulted in nearly $2 million worth of cash and other assets being restrained under orders made by the Brisbane District Court yesterday (5 February, 2026).
The assets were seized by the AFP in July 2022 in an investigation that dismantled an alleged criminal network trafficking and manufacturing illicit drugs across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
The AFP-led CACT subsequently conducted investigations into ownership of the assets as suspected proceeds of crime.
The Court yesterday made a forfeiture order over $1.7 million of the cash that was hidden under a bed at the Brisbane property of the former partner of a member of the alleged criminal syndicate.
The Court also made orders restraining the other assets, including a boat, and cash with a combined value of $235,000 seized during the operation as the suspected proceeds of crime.
AFP Commander Jason Kennedy said court outcomes such as this targeted one of the main motivators of crime - profit.
"The profits derived from criminal activity are often used to fund further criminal acts, which is why the AFP works closely with our law enforcement and CACT partners to target the proceeds of crime and ensure it is re-invested to benefit the community," Commander Kennedy said.
"Criminals seek to enjoy lavish lifestyles as a result of their illegal activities, with funds often derived from the exploitation of our community. We see this as an affront to hard-working Australians who are doing the right thing."
Commonwealth proceeds of crime laws provide expansive tools for the restraint of the proceeds and instruments of crime, as well as pecuniary penalty orders and unexplained wealth orders, based on a civil standard of proof. These laws can also operate when there is no related criminal investigation or prosecution.
At the conclusion of successful legal proceedings, confiscated assets are liquidated by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), with the proceeds deposited to the Commonwealth Confiscated Assets Account (CAA). The Attorney-General holds the authority to redistribute funds from the CAA to benefit the community through crime prevention, intervention or diversion programs, or other law enforcement initiatives.
The CACT combines the resources of the AFP, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
