More than $700,000 cash confiscated at Gold Coast Airport
The AFP has confiscated $712,850 seized from bags at Gold Coast Airport during a money laundering investigation.
What’s Happening?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confiscated cash seized at Gold Coast Airport during an ongoing money laundering investigation.
Police allege the money was divided between several bags carried by members of a family travelling together. Investigators linked a Victorian woman to the concealed cash.
Her partner later attended the airport and claimed ownership of the money. He was subsequently charged with a Commonwealth proceeds of crime offence.
The cash has now been forfeited to the Commonwealth following court action by the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce.
Why It Matters
The forfeiture removes money that investigators could not connect to a legitimate source or explanation.
The investigation considered how the cash was collected and transported. The man later pleaded guilty to a Commonwealth money laundering offence.
AFP Acting Commander Tim Underhill said law enforcement agencies would continue targeting suspected proceeds of crime through forfeiture action.
“The Proceeds of Crime Act provides law enforcement with unique powers to restrain and forfeit proceeds and instruments of crime,” Acting Commander Underhill said.
“Asset confiscation is important to remove the financial benefit gained from criminal acts, including money laundering.
“The profits derived from criminal activity are often used to fund further criminal acts, which is why the AFP works closely with its partners in the CACT to target the proceeds of crime and ensure it is re-invested to benefit the community.”
Local Impact
The investigation began after the cash was found at Gold Coast Airport.
The AFP acted on intelligence that a person would travel to Mildura, Victoria, carrying a large amount of cash.
The seizure highlights the airport’s role in national investigations involving suspected criminal proceeds moving between states.
By the Numbers
The AFP seized $712,850 at Gold Coast Airport on 13 March 2024.
The Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce obtained restraint and forfeiture orders on 23 July 2026.
The Victorian man received three years’ imprisonment and was immediately released on a $5000 recognisance.
Zoom In
Investigators identified a 35-year-old Victorian woman as being linked to the cash concealed across the family’s bags.
Following the seizure, her 36-year-old partner attended Gold Coast Airport and claimed ownership of the money.
He was charged with dealing in money or property believed to be crime proceeds worth $100,000 or more. The charge was brought under section 400.4(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce investigated the seized money. It could not establish a legitimate source or explanation for the funds.
On 5 June 2026, the man pleaded guilty to a Commonwealth money laundering offence. He was sentenced on the same day.
The District Court of Queensland issued restraint and forfeiture orders on 23 July 2026. The entire $712,850 was immediately forfeited to the Commonwealth.
Zoom Out
The Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce was established in 2012 and operates across Australia.
It brings together the AFP, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Taxation Office and Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre. The Australian Border Force is also part of the taskforce.
Its members include police officers, financial investigators, forensic accountants, litigation lawyers and specialists from partner agencies.
Confiscated assets enter the Confiscated Assets Account. The Australian Financial Security Authority manages the account for the Commonwealth.
Money from the account supports crime prevention, intervention and diversion programs. It can also fund other law enforcement initiatives.
The Department of Home Affairs supports the responsible minister in managing expenditure programs funded through the account.
What To Look For Next?
The broader money laundering investigation remains ongoing, with the AFP continuing its work alongside taskforce partners.
The forfeited cash will be managed through the Confiscated Assets Account and used for community or law enforcement programs.