Brett Leon Thomas: Realtor walks free for ‘amateur’ role in cross-border drug syndicate
The court heard the former Lismore man intended to turn the proceeds of the illegal syndicate into bitcoin currency.
Police & Courts
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A former Lismore man who intended to turn the proceeds of an illegal cross-border drug syndicate into bitcoin has walked away without jail time.
Brett Leon Thomas, 28, pleaded guilty to knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, to a value of $1000 on Friday, July 16.
The Lismore District Court heard Thomas was contacted by former work colleague Jake Anthony Magri to deal with the proceeds of his alleged cross-border guns and drugs syndicate, worth around $32,500, and turn the money into bitcoin.
Magri was currently facing an October 7 sentence for manufacturing a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity, possessing an unauthorised pistol, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, and unauthorised supply of prohibited firearms.
Police will allege Magri was a principal figure in a high-level drug syndicate that operated in New South Wales, southeast Queensland, and Victoria, distributing military-grade firearms, MDMA, and amphetamines.
He has pleaded guilty to all charges.
The court heard police intercepted several calls between Magri and Thomas regarding the delivery of a parcel, known to be the money.
Police then intercepted this package and found a plastic bag containing $1000 of cash labelled with Thomas’ name.
Judge Warwick Hunt said, “the vast majority” of those notes found could be linked to covert drug transactions.
Thomas, who now resides in Balaclava, Victoria and works as a property manager, was extradited to NSW for the matter – something which Judge Hunt said caused “significant shame” to the man.
Judge Hunt said the crime was an “amateur attempt” and took into account the “modest” financial gain.
“This was a relatively small amount of money, this court can deal with hundreds and billions of dollars by the same section,” he said.
“This was a serious piece of offending for you, even though on criminal calendar it is much less serious.
“Don’t be misled by the way this matter proceeds today that it is not a serious matter.”
Judge Hunt convicted Thomas and sentenced him to an 18 months Community Corrections Order.
He also ordered Thomas not to contact Magri.
“Hopefully, you will be able to put this matter behind you and get on with the fully constructive life you were destined to have,” Judge Hunt said.
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