A Pakistani national is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (20 June, 2025) charged after the AFP allegedly found about $100,000 in cash in his luggage at Perth Airport.
The man, 21, was also allegedly trying to travel under another person's name when he was stopped yesterday (19 June, 2025) before he could fly interstate.
An investigation began on 19 June when Perth Airport security staff allegedly detected a large amount of cash in the man's carry-on suitcase as he passed through an x-ray screening point.
When the man collected his luggage and left the area, security staff alerted the AFP.
AFP officers then attended and escorted the man - who had boarded a flight bound for Melbourne - from the plane.
They searched the man's carry-on suitcase and allegedly found bundles of $50 notes, which were placed inside items of clothing.
Two more bundles of cash were then allegedly found inside a puffer jacket in the man's backpack.
A formal count will be conducted to determine the exact amount of cash seized.
Police also allegedly found the man was travelling on a boarding pass which did not match the name on his identification.
The man was charged with:
- One count of dealing with proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is three years' imprisonment, or a $59,400 fine, or both; and
- One count of obtaining an air passenger ticket with false identification information, contrary to section 376.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 months' imprisonment.
AFP Inspector Peter Brindal said the AFP would continue to investigate how the man came to be in possession of the cash.
"The AFP works closely with partners to protect the community and Australia's legitimate economy and ensure air travel is not used as part of the criminal supply chain," Insp Brindal said.
"Airport security staff were vigilant and quickly alerted the AFP about their suspicions, which enabled us to intervene before the flight departed.
"Anyone detected travelling in possession of large amounts of unexplained cash will be investigated to determine whether the source of those funds is lawful."
