Cybercrime Squad detectives have seized $5.7 million worth of cryptocurrency following a 15-month investigation into alleged illegal darknet market dealings.
Strike Force Andalusia was established in September 2024 by detectives attached to State Crime Command's Cyber Crime Squad, to investigate a large amount of bitcoin held in a cryptocurrency wallet, believed to be proceeds of illegal activity on darknet marketplaces.
Darknet marketplaces are online illicit markets that offer a range of illegal goods and services including prohibited drugs and weapons.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives identified a 41-year-old man and 39-year-old man who allegedly had access to this cryptocurrency wallet, with bitcoin believed to be from illegal darknet dealings.
On Tuesday 27 May 2025, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Surfside, where police allegedly seized several electronic devices and about 7.2 grams of cocaine.
During forensic analysis of those devices, detectives uncovered and seized $47,000 worth of cryptocurrency.
A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Batemans Bay Police Sation where he was charged with fail to comply digital evidence access order direction, deal with property proceeds of crime $5,000,000 or more, supply prohibited drug - indictable quantity and supply prohibited drug.
The matter remains before Batemans Bay Local Court with the man next due to appear on Monday 15 June 2026.
Further inquiries led strike force detectives to charge a 41-year-old man with deal with property proceeds of crime => $100000, for his alleged involvement in the transferral of the cryptocurrency.
The matter remains before Campbeltown Local Court with the man next to appear on Wednesday 13 May 2026.
As part of ongoing inquires, about 6.40am on Monday 4 May 2026, strike force detectives – with assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant in Ingleburn.
During the search, detectives seized electronic devices where they allegedly uncovered 52.3 bitcoin, valued at approximately $5.7 million at the time of seizure, that detectives will allege to be the proceeds of illegal darknet activity.
Commander of State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said this seizure demonstrates the squad's ability to track criminal activity across complex online environments.
"This is one of the biggest cryptocurrency seizures in the nation's history and a clear reminder that criminal activity on the darknet is not anonymous," Det Supt Craft said.
"Criminals operating on the darknet often believe they are beyond the reach of law enforcement, but this investigation shows that is simply not the case."
"Darknet marketplaces remain a key enabler of serious criminal activity, and our detectives are actively targeting those who use them to trade illicit goods or launder money."
Inquiries under Strike Force Andalusia are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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