Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Financial and Cyber Crime Group have charged two men for their role in a cold call technology support money laundering network.
On Tuesday, detectives attended a residence in Albion and arrested a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man. Both men have been charged with recklessly engaging in money laundering, bailed to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on September 28.
Police will allege the men, both students, were involved with a network of offenders obtaining millions of dollars through technology scams, receiving dishonestly obtained funds deposited into accounts they had opened, and received a commission for sending this money offshore.
These arrests relate to Operation Romeo Taper, which commenced in May 2019, when information was received regarding a man who had been identified as being a money mule for cold call technology support scams.
As part of the operation, police have identified three million dollars in scam funds having been received by offenders and dealt with by the criminal syndicate, who operate in excess of 1000 bank accounts around Australia.
Over 150 victims have been identified, the majority being elderly victims, the oldest being 95 years of age.
There have been a total of 11 arrests made in relation to 25 charges, including reckless money laundering and fraud.
Detective Inspector Vince Byrnes from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said these arrests demonstrate that police take this offending seriously and urged the community to be vigilant.
“Money mules are one of the main methods for laundering proceeds of transnational crime and it is not uncommon for criminals to target students through online advertising, often with the lure of quick money.
“Individuals tempted to allow their bank accounts to be used for this purpose, to transfer unlawfully obtained money out of the country, should know they are likely supporting serious crime and committing a serious criminal offence in the process.
“I would urge anyone who receives such an approach to stop and think about what they are potentially doing and to never receive money or give bank account details to someone they don’t know or trust,” Detective Inspector Byrnes said.
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