Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad have arrested four foreign nationals and seized bank accounts worth over $3.3M as part of an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering operation in Mildura.
The investigation into the Malaysian organised crime syndicate commenced in October 2025 following key financial intelligence identified by AUSTRAC and a subsequent referral from the Labour Hire Authority.
Investigators worked collaboratively with the Authority, AUSTRAC and various financial institutions within the Fintel Alliance.
Detectives have identified those involved were using ATMs in the Mildura CBD to launder the proceeds of crime in and out of the Australian banking system.
Over the course of two days, search warrants were executed in Mildura at five residential addresses and one restaurant.
Last Monday, a 30-year-old Malaysian national was arrested at an ATM on the corner of Deakin Avenue and Eighth Street in Mildura.
An estimated $50,000 in cash and various bank cards were seized from a bag in his possession.
The man was interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offence of deal proceeds of crime.
He was then detained by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers from the Department of Home Affairs for being an unlawful non-citizen.
On Tuesday, 24 February, two Malaysian nationals, a 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old female from Taiwan were arrested and interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offence of deal proceeds of crime and possess illicit tobacco.
All four are expected to be charged on summons.
A further two males present at one of the search warrant addresses in Mildura were also identified to be unlawful non-citizens and were detained by ABF officers from the Department of Home Affairs.
In total, investigators seized:
• An ANZ bank account containing $2.5M,
• A NAB bank account containing $895,000,
• Approximately $100,000 in cash
• Two sim boxes,
• Over 50 mobile phones,
• Four luxury watches valued at over $150,000,
• Over 100 various bank cards,
• Various documents linking to accounts used to launder money,
• Western Union transfer documentation,
• Over 155,800 illicit cigarettes, and
• Multiple sim cards and electrical devices.
Investigators will also allege two people not connected to the syndicate had unknowingly been listed as directors of a number of suspicious businesses, as well as two bank accounts which contained the $3.3M.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about these incidents or money laundering is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
