Perth, Nov 24: A Geraldton farmer has forfeited $679,750 in cash seized at Perth Airport in 2021 after an investigation by the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT).
The 52-year-old man was intercepted in September 2021 with two backpacks containing bundles of $50 and $100 notes during a routine patrol at the airport. The man claimed the cash was from business activities as a vegetable grower.
Subsequent investigations by the CACT raised suspicions of tax fraud.
In December 2021, warrants were executed at three properties in WA’s Mid-West region, leading to the seizure of further documents.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers also identified two workers breaching visa conditions, resulting in $15,984 in fines for the farmer.
The AFP alleged the cash was intended to conceal earnings from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The man did not contest the forfeiture application.
On November 11, 2024, the Supreme Court of WA ordered the cash to be forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth).
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Fleur Jennings said the CACT works to disrupt illegal activity and ensure Australians do not gain illicit wealth at the expense of others.
“The successful restraint and forfeiture of this amount of cash is testament to the ongoing collaboration of CACT investigators and litigators,” she said.
Funds from the forfeiture will be redirected to community programs addressing crime prevention, child safety, and law enforcement.
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