Perth Airport: Sydney man jailed after $600,000 discovery
A Sydney man was sentenced to prison after being caught at Perth Airport with over $600,000 in cash hidden in his suitcase. The man failed to provide proof of legitimate origin for the funds and was convicted of dealing in proceeds of crime.
Why it matters
The case underscores the effectiveness of airport security and law enforcement in disrupting illicit financial flows.
shares Share article A Sydney man has been sentenced after federal police intercepted more than $600,000 hidden in his suitcase at Perth Airport.
The 32-year-old from Kingsford was passing through security at the domestic terminal on March 14, 2023, when officers discovered $618,360 in cash during routine screening.
The cash was found in the man’s suitcase while heading through routine screening. Australian Federal Police
When questioned by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers, he claimed the funds were cash payments linked to tobacco businesses and were intended to purchase a Perth tobacconist.
However, he failed to produce any documentation proving the money was legitimate, and later admitted the alleged sale never happened.
He was initially charged with dealing in proceeds of crime before the AFP referred the case to Australian Border Force officials to prosecute associated customs offences.
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