'Staggering' $39 million laundered by Chinese gang in one month

Police said the men laundered $39,527,935 in illicit cash collections and remittance funds to people in China using a "sophisticated network of criminal associates in Melbourne" between July and August 2022.

An international investigation was launched into the Chinese criminal syndicate, operating in Australia, in January 2023 in conjuction with Australia's financial intelligence agency (AUSTRAC).

AUSTRAC agents were able to "uncover the complex money laundering methodologies," leading to the arrests, AUSTRAC director intelligence Markus Erikson said.

AFP detective superintendent Simone Butcher said the investigation had "disrupted" the alleged laundering.

"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," she said.

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

Police searched houses across Melbourne and seized three gel blasters, a replica gun, phones and electronics as well as designer watches and cash in the CBD, Box Hill and Doncaster East.

A 32-year-old Chinese man was charged with directing the Australian-based criminal syndicate's money laundering activities on March 19.

The Chinese man had previously been charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine from South Africa in rubber mats in September 2022. He is on remand and awaiting trial.

A 23-year-old South Yarra man, charged with collecting illicit cash on behalf of the criminal syndicate, was arrested on March 25.

A 42-year-old Doncaster East man, accused of allegedly facilitating illicit cash and remittance fund transactions on behalf of the Chinese organised criminal group, was arrested in February 2024.

A 37-year-old Box Hill man, charged with remitting around $20 million to China, was arrested in March 2024.

They are all scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 1, 2024.