Chinese Criminal Gang Charged for Allegedly Laundering $39 Million

Cash confiscated by the Australian Federal Police during an operation in Sydney, Australia, on May 18, 2017. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Australian authorities have charged four members of an alleged Chinese criminal syndicate for allegedly laundering $39.5 million (US$25.8 million) in dirty money between July and August 2022.

The four were arrested and charged separately under a joint operation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), a financial intelligence agency responsible for combating money laundering.

On March 25, the AFP arrested and charged a 23-year-old man living in South Yarra, Melbourne, for allegedly collecting illicit cash on behalf of the criminal gang.

A 32-year-old Chinese national was also charged on March 19 for allegedly orchestrating the syndicate’s money laundering activities.

A Doncaster East man was arrested in February for allegedly facilitating illicit cash and remittance fund transactions on behalf of the criminal group.

Meanwhile, another man living in Box Hill was charged in March for allegedly transferring $20 million in illicit cash to China.

Authorities have charged the four alleged gang members with one count each of dealing with proceeds of general crime worth $10 million or more.

AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said the arrests were a reminder to criminal syndicates that Australian law enforcement agencies would not tolerate their illegal activities.

“We allege that the amount of illicit wealth–a staggering $39 million dollars–was laundered by this criminal group in just one month and is more than most hardworking individuals would earn in multiple lifetimes,” he said.

“Money laundering is the lifeblood of criminal activity. This is a crime that not only supports serious organised crime, but it also contributes to facilitating other illicit activities like extortion, kidnapping, and illicit drug trafficking.”

Meanwhile, AUSTRAC Director Intelligence Markus Erikson said his agency was proud to assist other law enforcement partners in uncovering complex money laundering methodologies used by transnational criminals.

“This result is a reminder of the impact of our financial intelligence expertise, regulatory powers, and the effect of our partnerships with law enforcement and industry.”

During the operation, authorities seized some gel blasters, replica firearms, luxury items, and over $212,000 in cash.

The four Chinese men are scheduled to reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 1, 2024.