Two men charged with money laundering and other offences
ACT Policing continues to target and disrupt organised crime activities in Canberra.
Two men have been charged with multiple offences following an extensive investigation into drug distribution and money laundering activities.
Yesterday (Thursday 12 August 2021) three search warrants were executed; at residences in Bonner and Holt, and at a City restaurant.
A 49-year-old man was subsequently arrested in Bonner and a 28-year-old man was arrested in Holt.
Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said that it would be naive to think this type of crime wasn’t occurring in Canberra.
“Unfortunately, Canberra is like all other cities when it comes to the illicit drug trade - there are those that seek to profit from these illegal activities,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
“These arrests should serve as another reminder that ACT Policing is committed to these investigations. If you’re committing criminal activity and involved in organised crime, it’s likely we’re already aware of you and you can expect we’ll come knocking on your door soon.
“I’m also happy that we’ll be looking to restrain multiple assets owned by these men. By removing their assets, we remove the benefit of their criminal activities.
“In the past couple of years, ACT Policing has been very successful in seizing assets, and dismantling organised crime networks and operators in our city.”
Police will allege the Holt man was responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of cannabis in the ACT region.
It will also be alleged the Bonner man was responsible for facilitating the laundering of cash earned by the Holt man, via a restaurant he operates in the city.
A significant amount of evidence was collected at the search warrants including more than $135,000 in cash, a gel blaster firearm, a commercial money counter, electronic devices and a quantity of steroids.
Under proceeds of crime legislation, police have restrained the Bonner residence and three vehicles; a white Lamborghini coupe, a BMW 4-series sedan and a grey Ford Ranger and a number of bank accounts.
The approximate value of all restrained items is more than a million dollars.
The 49-year-old has been charged with multiple offences including dealing in the proceeds of crime (x3), perjury, money laundering, pervert the course of justice, make false evidence and use a false document.
The 28-year-old man has been charged with trafficking cannabis, dealing in the proceeds of crime (x4), perjury, money laundering (x2), pervert the course of justice, making false evidence, using a false document and failing to comply with a 3LA order.
Both men are scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday 13 August 2021).
Anyone that has information regarding drug trafficking or money laundering in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
EXTERNAL LINK - B Roll footage of warrant activity: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/A8doOQHG2X/dXMtMGFlNWQyNmMtMzkyYy00YTVjLTk2M2QtNzBlNWIxZTI3NjEz
EXTERNAL LINK - Interview footage Detective Superintendent Scott Moller: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/GwWDentosQ/dXMtMGFlNWQyNmMtMzkyYy00YTVjLTk2M2QtNzBlNWIxZTI3NjEz
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au