Stephen Molloy, Yass: $2.75m in cash allegedly found in prime mover
Police believe almost $3 million dollars allegedly found hidden in shopping bags inside a truck was destined for the purchase of illegal drugs in Sydney, a court has heard.
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Police believe almost $3 million dollars allegedly found hidden in shopping bags within a South Australian truckie’s prime mover was destined for the purchase of illegal drugs in Sydney, a court has heard.
Officers from Strike Force Raptor pounced on 52-year-old Stephen Molloy’s prime mover at a Yass service station on Thursday night, where they allegedly found $2.75 million cash stashed inside a couch located in the trailer of the truck.
Molloy was charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, to which he pleaded not guilty in Wollongong Local Court on Friday afternoon.
The truckie’s application for bail was refused by Magistrate Michael Stoddart, who noted a custodial sentence was very likely if Molloy was found guilty of the offence, also stating it was a “very strong” prosecution case”.
In documents tendered to the court, police allege around 6pm on Thursday evening, highway patrol officers from Strike Force Raptor attended a Caltex servo on Yass Valley Way, where they saw Molloy’s prime mover parked in one of the truck bays.
Police allege they believed Molloy was driving the truck from Adelaide to NSW to transport a “large amount of cash to Sydney to be used for the purchase of illicit drugs”.
Four hours later around 10pm, police swooped on the truck, where they allegedly found Molloy in the cabin area.
In court documents, police allege they searched the trailer area of the vehicle, finding a lounge, tools and tyre rims.
A search of the couch allegedly uncovered five Woolies freezer bags hidden under the cushions, which had been stuffed with cash, allegedly totalling $2.75 million.
Officers also seized a mobile phone, electronic equipment and a stash of cannabis from the truck’s cabin.
In opposing Molloy’s application for bail, police prosecutor sergeant Ben Bragger said there was “strong suspicion” the cash was the proceeds of crime, asking Magistrate Stoddart “what does someone want that type of money for?”.
Despite Molloy’s defence lawyer outlining his client’s mental health struggles, including diagnosed post traumatic stress disorder, as well as the delays in court proceedings due to COVID-19, Magistrate Stoddart refused the application for bail.
“It’s a very serious charge and it would appear it’s a very strong prosecution case,” he said.
“There’s also the fact he’s not a resident of this state… there are unacceptable risks that cannot be mitigated.”
Molloy, who is also facing a charge of possess prohibited drug, will remain behind bars until his next appearance at Goulburn Local Court on June 10.