$6m in cash allegedly found in Belmore kitchen cupboards, 4 charged
Four people have been charged after police investigating illegal tobacco distribution and money-laundering in Sydney allegedly seized millions in cash hidden in the kitchen of a home.
The Express
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A man has appeard in court after armed officers from Strike Force Mindarie allegedly found $6million including cash hidden inside the kitchen of a Belmore home after a two-year investigation.
Three men, aged 40, 50 and 57, and a woman, 45, have been charged after a strike force allegedly found illegal tobacco worth at estimated $80,000 in the house and said more arrests are expected after the raids across several properties on Wednesday.
The strike force, accompanied by the Australian Border Force, executed five search warrants at homes in Belmore, Lakemba, Marrickville, Bardwell Valley, and Campsie from 7am on Wednesday.
Electronic storage devices and 400 cartons of tobacco, worth an estimated $80,000, was also seized.
BOY HIT BY FIREARM IN HOME INVASION
Van Biet Nguyen, a 50-year-old man from Belmore, was charged with four offences including directing the organisation’s activities.
Barrister Mark Doyle filed an application for Nguyen’s release today at Burwood Local Court.
Mr Doyle said Nguyen was a father to five children — including a 16-year-old daughter in his care, has only one blemish on his criminal record from 1998, and has established long ties in the country after living in Australia for 28 years.
“He comes to the court virtually with a clean skin,” Mr Doyle said.
“He’s not a flight risk. He’s been in custody one night and needs to get back home and provide (his 16-year-old daughter with) care.”
Mr Doyle said a $300,000 surety would be posted from the equity of Nguyen’s brother’s home, and that the bail concerns could be overcome through strict conditions.
The prosecution opposed Nguyen’s release on bail, claiming he posed several risks — including to the safety of a key witness who has provided police with information over the course of their two-year investigation.
Nguyen travelled twice a year to China and Vietnam, the prosecution said. Combined with the millions found stashed in his kitchen and his known criminal associations, they argued he could pose a flight risk.
“There is evidence (to suggest he had an) interest in the importation of drugs,” the police prosecution said, adding he has not been charged with such an offence.
“He discussed it,” the court heard. “He has a potential connection to other criminal groups — at least some of them being outside of Australia.”
The court heard of a threat Nguyen had made at some stage during their two-year investigation.
“If the drug was intercepted by law enforcement, everyone will be tracked down and killed,” it is alleged Nguyen had said.
The statement could indicate the safety of a key police informant could be put at risk if Nguyen was granted bail, the court heard.
“This matter involves a particular witness who is an integral part of the Crown’s case and is known to the accused,” the Commonwealth director of public prosecution said.
“ … Due to the nature of his evidence and what … his role is in this case, there are concerns of his safety.”
The informant’s name was withheld during the court proceeding.
Magistrate Margaret McGlynn said the charges against Nguyen were of “the most serious kind”.
“The strength of the prosecution’s case on the facts before me … appears to be a strong set of facts.
“ … Ultimately the threat to the safety of the unidentified witness is a matter of great concern. I refuse bail.”
Nguyen, who is next scheduled to appear at Burwood Local Court on January 20, is the only person of the four people charged to be denied bail.
Ms McGlynn said this was because of the millions of dollars found in his kitchen, and because he had been charged with directing the operation.
The 57-year-old man was charged with deal in proceeds of crime, money/property (more than $1m), conspire to cause loss, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The 40-year-old man was charged to participate in criminal group, contribute criminal activity.
The 45-year-old woman was charged with deal in proceeds of crime, money/property (more than $1m), conspire to cause loss, participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity, and convey tobacco products know of intent defraud revenue.
Police will allege in court the group were involved in the supply of tobacco and in doing so have avoided $1.8 million of duty tax.
The trio were all granted strict conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday, January 21.
The State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Mindarie to conduct investigations in February 2017.