A Melbourne property seized by the police. (photo of Gold Coast Bulletin)
After two years of investigation, Australian police successfully seized a money-laundering ring belonging to China`s citizen, seizing up to A $8.5 million worth of jewelry, cars, high-end red wine and properties in three states across the country.
After investigations into offshore funds suspected of money-laundering, the Australian federal police have seized a number of properties and other property scattered in Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast, according to media reports.
The investigation began in 2016 when China`s Ministry of Public Security asked the Australian federal police to investigate China`s citizen, which could be involved in the illegal money-laundering program.
The two Chinese citizen allegedly arrived in Australia in 2015 to set up shell companies to divert proceeds from other criminal activities, including the use of funds obtained in China by deceiving investors.
After a lengthy investigation into the case, Australian authorities set up Operation Polarding`s ad hoc group, (Operation Balandin), to focus on housing and development properties purchased by the criminal group in Australia to hide funds.
Federal police raided (Lower Plenty), Hawthorne (Hawthorn) and Sydney Waterloo / Waterloo/Zetland in Melbourne`s CBD, on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as properties on the Golden Coast of Queensland, seizing properties, cars and luxury goods. Worth A $8.5 million.
Police seized Benrich wine. (photo of the Herald Sun)
It is reported that the authorities seized luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes Benz) and a Land Rover (Land Rover), also seized several boxes of Pengfu (Penfolds) high-end wine, St. Henry`s (St Henri Shiraz)., which sold for more than A $100.
The seized Land Rover. (photo of the Herald Sun)
Police said the investigation against the personnel involved is still under way.
The Australian Federal Police organized Crime acting National Commander, Hill (Bruce Hill), said the investigation reflected the importance of international cooperation in combating money-laundering and the harmful impact of money-laundering on Australian society. And the investigation of the case is still ongoing.
Asked how many people were arrested at home and abroad, Hill declined to answer, saying only that "at a time when there is a desire to escape foreign government and police services, the Australian Federal Police is committed to international peer cooperation. To prevent money laundering in Australia. "
"the flow of huge proceeds of crime into Australian assets will undermine the level playing field for Australian home buyers and small businesses, and the chain reaction will affect society as a whole," Hill said. "this is not a crime without victims."
It is also reported that since October this year, Australia has seized the third case involving the creation of Chinese shell companies in Australia, money laundering and tax evasion, and there is no connection between these cases.
Federal police seized three homes and two bank accounts last month, allegedly involving $2 million in money laundering, but declined to say where the properties were located. This also means the total value of assets seized by Australia is about A $10.5 million.
