A New South Wales man has been sentenced in the Sydney District Court today (7 August, 2026) for dealing with property believed to be the proceeds of crime after he was found carrying more than $600,000 in cash through Perth Airport.
The Kingsford man, now 32, was travelling through the domestic terminal at Perth Airport on 14 March, 2023, when aviation security screening identified an anomaly in his suitcase.
AFP members attended and located a large quantity of cash in the man's luggage. The cash was later counted and found to total $618,360.
The man claimed the money was linked to cash transactions associated with tobacco businesses but did not provide documents to show the funds were legitimate.
He also told police the cash was for purchasing a tobacconist in Perth, however he said the sale did not eventuate.
The man was charged with one count of dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The AFP then referred the matter to the Australian Border Force (ABF) for investigation. ABF investigated and prosecuted the man for customs-related offences.
He pleaded guilty on 15 June, 2026, and was sentenced in Sydney District Court today (7 August, 2026) to 16 months imprisonment for the proceeds of crime charge. He was sentenced to a total of two years and six months imprisonment for the customs-related offences, with both sentences to be served concurrently by way of an intensive correction order.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said law enforcement was alert to attempts by organised crime groups to use or move large amounts of cash to conceal and facilitate criminal activity.
"Criminals who attempt to move significant amounts of unexplained cash through Australia's airports should expect to attract the attention of law enforcement," Det a/Supt Brindal said.
"The AFP works closely with aviation and security partners to identify suspicious activity and disrupt criminal conduct. In this matter, the vigilance of security officers helped us to intercept this money.
"We will continue to target the movement of illicit cash suspected of being linked to criminal offending and hold those responsible to account."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
