Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged a woman for allegedly laundering nearly $7 million through fraudulent mortgages on behalf of an Organised Crime Network.
Strike Force Karawina was established by State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad and NSW Crime Commission in June 2024 to investigate the alleged laundering of illegal tobacco funds through property by an Organised Crime Syndicate hailing from Southeast Asia.
Detectives identified since 2020, the woman had applied for and were granted up to 10 home loans at various banks using fraudulent documentation which inflated her income.
Seven mortgaged properties were the subject of the investigation to the value of $6,910,050.
The woman then laundered funds on behalf of an Organised Crime Network (OCN) through the mortgage repayments.
Police believe majority of the funds were derived through the illegal tobacco trade.
Following extensive inquiries, about 12pm yesterday (Thursday 27 February 2025), strike force detectives arrested a 36-year-old woman in Berala.
The woman was taken to Auburn Police Station, where she was charged with 20 offences including dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal and convey etc tobacco products knowing of intent defraud revenue.
She was refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court today (Friday 28 February 2025).
Subsequently, three search warrants – with the assistance of South West Metropolitan Operation Support Group, NSW Health Tobacco Control Unit and Australian Border Force – were executed in Berala and Auburn.
During the searches, police located and seized $2.5 million worth of tobacco cigarettes, $28,000 worth of loose-leaf tobacco, $104,465 cash, and a Mercedes GLC300 worth $110,000.
At the Auburn residence, police located an illegal gambling den and unlicenced tattoo parlour linked to the OCN.
Commander of the Financial Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, said the arrest has disrupted a sophisticated money laundering operation.
"The alleged use of fraudulent mortgages to launder nearly $7 million is clear indication of the lengths to which these criminal enterprises will go to conceal their illegal activities," Det Supt Arbinja said.
"This arrest sends a strong message that we will not tolerate criminals who undermine the integrity of our financial system."
Nicole Lawless, Executive Director of Legal and Confiscations at the NSW Crime Commission said this job has uncovered an alleged multi-million dollar scheme to defraud several banks.
"The suspect's assets have now been frozen, and we have commenced civil proceedings in the Supreme Court," Ms Lawless said.
"If successful, the proceeds of this offending will be returned to the State of NSW."
Darren Bennett, Executive Director of Operations at the NSW Crime Commission, said the NSWCC have been in lock step with the NSWPF at every step of this investigation.
"This is another collaborative success that will allow the proceeds of crime be returned to the people of NSW. I congratulate the Financial Crime Squad for an outstanding result."
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.
