AFP Cracks Down on Cybercrime Syndicate Laundering Millions
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have busted a major cybercrime ring that ran over 15 high-tech scams from January 2020 to March 2023. The gang set up more than 80 bank accounts using stolen identities to funnel cash out of Australia.
Investigation Sparked by $100,000 Business Email Hack
The probe kicked off in October 2021 after an Indonesian business lost more than $100,000 in a business email compromise (BEC) attack. AFP traced the operation back to four suspects based in Brisbane, melbourne/" title="Melbourne" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Melbourne, and Adelaide, all allegedly linked to a syndicate with ties to South Africa.
Five Arrested in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia Raids
- In Brisbane suburbs Richlands and Durack, a 35-year-old woman was arrested in Durack and a 27-year-old woman in Sherwood.
- A 26-year-old man was nabbed in Wyndham Vale, Melbourne.
- A 30-year-old man was detained in Croydon Park, Adelaide.
During the raids on 23 March 2023, AFP seized fake passports, international driver licences, luxury handbags, and digital devices slated for forensic examination.
Serious Charges and Heavy Penalties Laid
The accused face multiple charges carrying up to 20 years behind bars:
- Sherwood woman (27): Six counts of possessing false documents under anti-money laundering laws. Max penalty 10 years.
- Durack woman (35): False documents, handling stolen financial info, dealing in crime proceeds over $100k, producing false documents. Max penalty 20 years.
- Croydon Park man (30): Producing false documents, dealing in crime proceeds over $100k. Max penalty 20 years. Granted bail; next Adelaide court date 9 June 2023.
- Wyndham Vale man (26): Possessing false documents including foreign travel docs. Max penalty 10 years. Granted bail; next Melbourne court date 15 June 2023.
Massive Fraud Operation Targeted Facebook Marketplace and Superannuation
The syndicate used BEC scams, Facebook Marketplace cons, and fake superannuation investments to rake in losses from victims ranging from $2,500 to nearly $500,000 each. Operating around 180 bank accounts, they laundered around $1.1 million to South Africa.
Associates overseas provided genuine identity documents altered to suit the Australian criminals. Many documents belonged to South African victims, including some Australian citizens.
The AFP continues to pursue further leads as this sophisticated cybercrime syndicate is dismantled.
