A Sydney man has been sentenced after federal police intercepted more than $600,000 hidden in his suitcase at Perth Airport.
The 32-year-old from Kingsford was passing through security at the domestic terminal on March 14, 2023, when officers discovered $618,360 in cash during routine screening.
The cash was found in the man’s suitcase while heading through routine screening. Australian Federal Police
When questioned by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers, he claimed the funds were cash payments linked to tobacco businesses and were intended to purchase a Perth tobacconist.
However, he failed to produce any documentation proving the money was legitimate, and later admitted the alleged sale never happened.
He was initially charged with dealing in proceeds of crime before the AFP referred the case to Australian Border Force officials to prosecute associated customs offences.
After pleading guilty in March, the man was sentenced on Friday to 16 months’ imprisonment for dealing in proceeds of crime and two and a half years for the customs offences.
The sentences will be served concurrently via an Intensive Correction Order.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal warned that anyone attempting to move large volumes of illicit cash through Australian airports would be caught.
“The AFP works closely with aviation and security partners to identify suspicious activity and disrupt criminal conduct. In this matter, the vigilance of security officers helped us intercept this money,” Brindal said.
“We will continue to target the movement of illicit cash suspected of being linked to criminal offending and hold those responsible to account.