Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a fifth man and seized nearly $900,000 worth of cryptocurrency following an investigation into dark net vendors under Strike Force Carieville.
Strike Force Carieville was established by State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad, with assistance from the NSW Crime Commission, to investigate a criminal group conducting a large-scale drug supply operation facilitated through the dark net.
The group is believed to have sold over $80 million worth of prohibited drugs in the past six years and were operating one of the largest drug vendors on the dark web.
Earlier this year, four men were charged and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 6.15am yesterday (Wednesday 4 December 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order & Riot Squad – executed a search warrant in Canley Heights.
During the search, police seized $894,697 worth of cryptocurrencies, $7000 cash, a luxury watch worth $65,000, seven mobile phones, three computers, and cryptocurrency related paraphernalia.
A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, deal with property proceeds of crime => $100000, dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, and deal with property proceeds of crime => $100000.
He was refused bail and appeared before Fairfield Local Court yesterday.
Police will allege in court the man laundered nearly $1.25 million on behalf of the dark net vendor.
Investigations under Strike Force Carieville continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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