Southbank man charged as AFP dismantles multimillion-dollar money-laundering syndicate

A Southbank man is among four people charged as part of an Australian Federal Police investigation that has dismantled a sophisticated money-laundering syndicate suspected of washing tens of millions of dollars in criminal proceeds.

The AFP launched the six-month investigation in June 2025 after receiving intelligence from partner agencies. Detectives allege the group coordinated near-daily cash handovers on behalf of organised crime figures, depositing the illicit funds into online banking accounts before rapidly converting the money into cryptocurrency in an effort to evade detection.

In coordinated raids across Melbourne last week – including in Southbank, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Box Hill, Forest Hill, Vermont, Balwyn and Wantirna – AFP officers seized more than $1.5 million in cash, two firearms, illicit tobacco, luxury goods, cash-counting machines and multiple electronic devices. The operation received significant support from Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce and the Joint Organised Crime Taskforce.

A 36-year-old Southbank man and a 39-year-old Box Hill woman have each been charged with knowingly dealing in the proceeds of general crime worth $10 million or more, a Commonwealth offence carrying heavy penalties.

Two men from Doncaster East – aged 34 and 41 – have also been charged with dealing in proceeds of crime worth $1 million or more. All four were bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 19.

The AFP believes the total amount laundered by the syndicate may ultimately be far higher, potentially in the “tens of millions”, with investigators continuing to analyse seized material. Further arrests and charges are expected.

AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said the criminal network had played a key role in propping up organised crime groups operating in Australia and offshore.

“Laundered cash is the lifeblood of organised crime,” she said.

She said the syndicate’s activities not only funded high-flying lifestyles but also enabled further criminal operations, undermining community safety and the national economy.

“This criminal activity is often funding future offending by offshore and Australian syndicates. Crime does not pay – and the AFP will continue to work with our partners to ensure those profiting from it are brought to justice,” she said.

The investigation remains ongoing.