Luxury sports cars, designer handbags and millions of dollars in cash have been seized by police after cracking an alleged international money laundering scheme.
Police are said to have found the staggering treasure trove after two properties, in City Beach and Innaloo in Perth’s western suburbs. were raided on Australia Day.
Western Australia Police officers executed their first search warrant at a property on The Boulevard in City Beach last Friday.
They are said to have discovered 209 designer handbags, watches worth $1.7 million and three luxury sports cars worth around $200,000 each.
Among the cars seized are Mercedes and Porsche vehicles.
Officers are said to have discovered dozens of handbags (photo) during a raid on a property in City Beach
Officers then carried out their second raid on a property on Thor Street in Innaloo in Perth’s northwest, where officers reportedly seized $200,000 in cash.
Some 300 bank cards believed to have been fraudulently obtained were also found, while land worth as much as $2.4 million was also seized and frozen.
Police have charged two men following the raids with a 36-year-old man living at the City Beach property charged with offenses relating to the possession and dealing of money and property which is the proceeds of crime.
He will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on February 6.
A 55-year-old man who is a resident of the Innaloo home was also charged with the same offense and possession of stolen or unlawful property.
Luxury sports cars, including a Mercedes (photo), were also seized
WA Police have seized millions of dollars in cash (pictured) from two properties in Perth’s west after police busted an alleged money laundering operation
He will appear in court on Friday.
Police allege the cash and bank cards were used by the couple to launder money, which was used to purchase the luxury items.
WA Police Chief Inspector John Hutchinson told reporters after the raid that the luxury items were acquired overseas before being sold to make a profit.
‘Further information gathered by detectives suggests that a number of luxury items were transported internationally and sold at a higher value, allowing the organization to shift profits and VAT claims abroad.’ Detective Hutchinson said.
Police are still investigating the incident along with other groups believed to be involved in the money laundering operation.
Anyone with information about the operation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.