Four people have been charged following investigations into alleged money-laundering syndicates operating in Sydney’s south-west.
In August 2017, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Loane to investigate a potential money-laundering syndicate operating in the Liverpool area.
As part of their inquiries, detectives identified links with another Organised Crime Squad investigation into a money-laundering syndicate in the Bankstown area under Strike Force Aldred.
Both investigations were also assisted by analysts from the NSW Crime Commission.
Following extensive investigations, detectives from both strike forces, assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad and South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, executed six search warrants at homes at Bankstown, Chipping Norton, Moorebank, and Yagoona, about 7am yesterday (Friday 27 April 2018).
During the searches, investigators seized more than $50,000 cash, mobile phones, SIM cards, computers, electronic storage devices, and financial documentation.
About 1pm, detectives also executed a search warrant at a nail salon at Cabramatta, where they seized financial documentation.
Three women and a man were arrested during the operation and taken to local police stations.
A 45-year-old woman, who is a Vietnamese National, was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal, two counts of knowingly direct activities of criminal group and knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime.
Police will allege in court that the woman was directing the activities of both syndicates from offshore.
A 46-year-old Moorebank woman was charged with three counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal, two counts of knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and three counts of knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime.
A 49-year-old Yagoona woman was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The women were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court later today (Saturday 28 April 2018).
A 27-year-old Bankstown man was charged with four counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 16 May 2018.
Investigations are ongoing.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to money laundering and organised criminal activity to call Crime Stoppers.
