Money laundering linked to Brisbane gym franchise mentioned in court

Four people linked to a Brisbane gym franchise charged with laundering more than $1.5 million have had their case mentioned in court.

Four people linked to a Brisbane gym franchise and accused of money laundering have had their case mentioned in court for the first time.

Police allege they uncovered evidence of money laundering following the seizure of cocaine, large quantities of cannabis, $9 million in cash and weapons while intercepting an aircraft at Brisbane in 2020

Police claim this identified people linked to a gym franchise operating in the Brisbane region allegedly transferring structured monetary deposits via a money remittance service to an offshore location totalling more than $1.5 million.

Police arrest a man linked to a Brisbane gym franchise and accused of money laundering. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Adam Lee King, 37, and Michael Bobo Pires, 44, have both been charged with one count of money laundering – organised serious crime.

According to court documents police allege the pair engaged in money laundering from March to December 2020 at a Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, address while participants in a criminal organisation.

Kate Harrold, 51, who lives with Pires, is facing 34 counts of money laundering at Fortitude Valley and West End but is not alleged to be part of a criminal organisation.

Her matter was adjourned to September 7

Bundles of notes seized by Queensland police in connection to alleged money laundering. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Richard Timothy Brennan, 33, of Morningside, is facing nine counts of money laundering and is also not alleged to be part of a criminal organisation.

None of the defendants, who are on bail, were present in court.

The men’s matters were adjourned to September 2.