'Alarmed': Canberra legal community shocked at alleged organised crime links

A 47-year-old man was arrested at a Civic law firm on Wednesday following a series of raids conducted by ACT Policing across Canberra and Queanbeyan.

The man - a prominent lawyer - is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday on three charges including money laundering, dealing in the proceeds of crime of $100,000 or more and recruiting people to engage in criminal activity.

A 54-year-old man allegedly in connection with the lawyer was also arrested at his Kingston accountancy firm and faces the same three charges.

A 35-year-old woman, also a lawyer and alleged close associate of the 47-year-old, was later arrested on Wednesday afternoon and charged with money laundering and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Ms Carroll said she was alarmed to hear two members of the local legal community had been arrested and charged, adding lawyers should be held to a high standard.

"The ACT Law Society was alarmed to learn that two members of the ACT legal community were arrested and charged on Wednesday as part of a major organised crime operation conducted by ACT Policing," Ms Carroll said.

"We take very seriously reports of any form of misconduct by members of the ACT legal profession.

"Lawyers are, and should be, held to a high standard of conduct because of the important role they play in the administration of justice."

Ms Carroll said the society's focus was on maintaining the high standards and integrity of the territory's legal community and it would be following the case as it faced the courts.

"The society's primary concerns are the protection of the public and ensuring high standards of legal practice in the ACT," Ms Carroll said.

"We are monitoring the situation and we will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure the ongoing integrity of the justice system in our region."

The arrests follow an eight-month investigation by the police with Detective Superintendent Scott Moller warning he expected further charges and more arrests would be made.

"This was a highly sensitive eight-month investigation that targeted covert business practices and services that allowed criminals to commit further crime and hide assets within our community," he said on Wednesday.

"If you are a professional facilitator for organised crime, we will come looking for you.

"We will not stop until we can put a halt to organised crime activity."

Police asked anyone with information that could help their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote reference 6695673. Information can be provided anonymously.