February 21st, 2023Man extradited in Melbourne money laundering probe

Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad have extradited a man to Victoria in recent days as part of their investigation into a significant money laundering syndicate allegedly operating in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

A 35-year-old Whittlesea man was arrested at Sydney Airport on Friday, 10 February by Australian Federal Police after attempting to board an international flight.

He faced an extradition hearing at Sydney Central Court on February 13 and extradition to Victoria was granted.

The man has been charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime and trafficking a drug of dependence, and was to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday, February 14.

He had previously been arrested on 8 February along with four other people as part of this investigation.

A 29-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, both from Epping, have been charged with traffick large commercial quantity drug of dependence and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

The duo were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 3 May.

A 36-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, both from Kalkallo, were released and are expected to be charged on summons.

Detectives also seized almost $1.2M cash during warrants at Whittlesea, Kalkallo and Epping addresses on 9 February.

The investigation followed information provided to police in relation to money laundering and drug trafficking by a syndicate in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and remains ongoing.

Anyone with information on organised crime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report via Crime Stoppers online.