Sydney Man Sentenced After $618,000 Cash Seized at Perth Airport
A Sydney man has been sentenced after Australian authorities seized more than $618,000 in cash from his luggage at Perth Airport, with the money believed to be linked to the proceeds of crime.
The 32-year-old Kingsford resident was stopped during security screening at Perth Airport’s domestic terminal on 14 March 2023, after officers detected an anomaly in his suitcase. Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers discovered $618,360 in cash concealed in his luggage.
The man claimed the money was connected to tobacco business transactions and intended for the purchase of a tobacconist in Perth. However, he failed to provide evidence proving the funds were legitimate, and the business purchase never proceeded.
He pleaded guilty to dealing with property reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime. On 7 August 2026, the Sydney District Court sentenced him to 16 months’ imprisonment for the proceeds of crime offence.
He also received a total sentence of two years and six months for separate customs-related offences investigated by the Australian Border Force (ABF), with both sentences to be served concurrently under an intensive correction order.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said authorities remain committed to targeting the movement of unexplained cash linked to organised crime.
“Criminals who attempt to move significant amounts of unexplained cash through Australia’s airports should expect to attract the attention of law enforcement,” he said.
The AFP said it will continue working with aviation security partners to detect suspicious activity and disrupt organised criminal operations across Australia.
Source: AFP /Media
