Russian couple accused of money laundering built eye-watering $10 million real estate nest egg

A Russian couple accused of running a money laundering syndicate from a glitzy mansion in Queensland amassed an eye-watering $10m property portfolio. See how they did it.

Dimitry Rimskiy is one of two Russian nationals – along with Alexandra Pavlovna Bugrova – accused of laundering millions of dollars in cash and cryptocurrency who have faced court on the Gold Coast.

A Russian couple accused of running a money laundering syndicate from their Gold Coast mansion amassed a $10 million property portfolio.

Documents have revealed Dmitry Rimskiy and Alexandra Bugrova own three waterfront homes on the Glitter Strip, along with four other properties across Queensland.

The Australian Federal Police found almost $2 million cash at their waterfront five-bedroom mansion with a pool on Hope Island when they were raided in December.

Police also found $425,000 of cryptocurrency in the raid.

One of the Russian nationals, Dimitry Rimskiy, covered his face as he leaves court.

The Hope Island mansion, just a short drive from Dreamworld, was currently on the rental market for $2000 a week.

The price has dropped by $300 from last month despite Queensland’s property market having a vacancy rate of just 0.9 per cent.

“Embrace a lifestyle of luxury and convenience where you can moor your boat at the bottom of your garden or explore your vast estate by buggy,” the Hope Island rental listing said.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to live in this practically brand new, beautifully maintained home.”

The Hope Island home owned by Dmitry Rimskiy and Alexandra Bugrova. Picture: Supplied

Mr Rimskiy, 49, and Ms Bugrova, 46, have each been charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime but have denied the allegations.

They were accused of depositing cash in ATMs and banks in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia in 2022.

Police alleged they made hundreds of deposits in transactions less than $10,000 to avoid flagging with national finance watchdog AUSTRAC.

The case was due back in court on August 5, but was likely to take several months because many documents were not written in English.

It is not suggested that the homes, which the couple bought between 2016 and 2022, were purchased illegally.

The revelations of the Russians’ eye-watering real estate nest egg comes amid debate about new money laundering laws which are before parliament.

Clancy Moore, chief executive of Transparency International Australia, said: “Currently, Australia is one of only five countries – including China, Haiti, Madagascar and the United States – that don’t regulate high risk professions like lawyers, accountants, real-estate agents and gemstone dealers in our anti-money laundering regime.”

The couple, who have four children and are currently on bail, began snapping up property within a year of arriving in Australia in 2015.

The Hope Island property was the first purchase, which they picked up for $1.61 million in 2016, documents state.

This Milton apartment was purchased by Dmitry Rimskiy in 2014. Picture: domain.com.au

Mr Rimskiy also laid out $586,935 for an apartment in Brisbane inner-city suburb Milton the same year.

Ms Bugrova spent more than $1m on property in 2021, buying a five-bedroom house in outer Brisbane’s Alexandra Hills and a $905,000 home with three beds in suburb Mount Gravatt.

Mr Rimskiy splashed more than $6m on Gold Coast property in 2022.

Dmitry Rimskiy paid $1.4 million for this six-bedroom Labrador home.

He paid $1.4m for a six-bedroom house in Labrador. Mr Rimskiy also purchased two waterfront properties – a $2.7m five-bedroom pile in Broadbeach Waters and a $2.5m property in Runaway Bay.

The Broadbeach Waters home included two jetties and 46m of river frontage.

The Broadbeach Waters home has two private jetties and a pool. Picture: realeastate.com

The Runaway Bay has five bedrooms, a triple garage, private jetty and a swimming pool. Picture: realesate.com

“Here, you will find yourself just minutes from Gold Coast’s beaches, schools, Pacific Fair shopping centre, The Star Casino, cafes, shops, bars, restaurants and the upcoming Lanes precinct!,” the Broadbeach Waters listing read.

Russian media had reported that Ms Bugrova was running an industrial cleaning company in Russia while based in Australia.

Ms Bugrova had desperately sought help with her property portfolio, advertising online for a cleaner for her Queensland home.

“Urgently required Russian speaking housekeeper! Location Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast.

Working hours: 1-2 times a week. Payment is negotiable,” the notice read.

Originally published as Russian couple accused of money laundering built eye-watering $10 million real estate nest egg