Sydney, Feb 22: A 21-year-old man from North Rocks, New South Wales, has been charged with a serious money laundering offence after Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers seized more than $1.1 million in cash from an abandoned suitcase at Perth Airport.
The man was arrested in Sydney on February 20 and extradited to Perth, where he is set to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court today (February 22).
He faces one count of dealing with money worth $1 million or more that is the proceeds of general crime, under section 400.3(2A) of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.
Investigators began looking into the case on February 17 when the man attempted to pay an excess baggage fee at Perth Airport using a credit card that did not match the details on his boarding pass.
Airline staff rejected the payment and informed him that his flight booking had been canceled. The man then left the terminal without reclaiming his suitcase and later flew to Sydney on a different airline.
The AFP was alerted to the abandoned luggage and, upon examination, a currency-detecting dog indicated suspicion. Inside, officers found $1,102,440 in plastic-wrapped bundles.
Following the discovery, police executed a search warrant at the man’s Sydney home on February 19, seizing electronic devices and clothing for forensic analysis.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal said the investigation successfully disrupted a significant money laundering operation.
“The AFP is working tirelessly 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,” Det Supt Chwal said.
The AFP is continuing to investigate the origins of the cash.
Media & PR: editor@dailystraits.com. Copyright 2021–Present DailyStraits.com. All rights reserved.