Four foreign nationals have been arrested in Mildura as part of a police investigation into alleged money laundering activities linked to a Malaysian syndicate.
In an ongoing investigation into a sophisticated money laundering scheme, Victoria Police have arrested four foreign nationals in Mildura. The arrested individuals are believed to be part of a Malaysian syndicate allegedly utilizing ATMs in the Mildura central business district (CBD) to transfer and launder the proceeds of criminal activities. The authorities have seized bank accounts totaling more than $3.3 million as part of the operation, underscoring the scale of the alleged criminal enterprise.
The probe began in October of the previous year following financial intelligence obtained from AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) and a referral from the Labour Hire Authority. This intelligence indicated potential links to illicit financial activities that prompted a deeper investigation by local law enforcement. Moreover, five residential properties in Mildura, along with a local restaurant, were raided as part of the investigation to gather further evidence against the suspects.
As the investigation unfolds, Victoria Police expect that the arrested individuals will face charges via summons. This case raises significant concerns regarding the infiltration of international crime syndicates in local economies and the use of Australia’s financial institutions to facilitate illegal activities. The arrest highlights the vigilance of authorities in combatting money laundering and maintaining the integrity of the Australian banking system.
