“The 12-month investigation began after an initial report from AUSTRAC intelligence and, around the same time, the VGCCC providing details of its own data analysis and covert operations dating back from November 2020,” said the AFP. Source: AFP.
Three people have been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over an alleged money laundering syndicate that made $4.7 million through a Melbourne gaming venue.
According to the AFP it’s alleged that three people aged 49, 63 and 61 got patrons at the Melbourne venue to sign-over their winning cheques from pokie machines.
It’s alleged the three people amassed their fortune by buying jackpots from pokie winners, later transferring the money into a bank to make it appear as real gambling winnings.
They’re being charged with engaging in conduct in relation to money or property that was proceeds of general crime when the value of the money or property was $1 million or more.
After more than a year-long investigation, officers were granted three search warrants for a commercial and two private properties across Melbourne.
Upon entering a Springvale South property they found more than $170,000 in cash and gold bullions.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Raegan Stewart said it’s extremely important that gaming venues report any activity that seems out of the ordinary.
“Money laundering is the backbone of organised crime activity. Money is the sole reason organised crime exists and targeting how these groups get their ill-gotten profits into legitimate financial systems is a key priority for the AFP,” she said.
“Licensed clubs and gaming venues should already be on notice that they are a significant risk for money laundering activities and are often misused by individuals for criminal intent.”
Officers say they were alerted to the odd activity because of an “abnormally high” number of cheques being reported, when compared to other venues in Victoria.
Another giveaway to the illegal activity was that 73 per cent of those cheques went to specific people on a repeated basis.
The AFP says that the venue and staff are currently undergoing investigation to determine whether they were involved in the syndicate.
The alleged criminals are expected to appear in court Thursday September 8 and could face up to 20 years imprisonment.
