Six Gold Coast people charged by NSW police investigating cyber-enabled money laundering

Four Gold Coast men have been charged as part of an investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate accused of laundering money via cryptocurrency. LATEST >>>

• Gold Coast property hotspot for vandals
• Airport tram link ‘absolute must’ for Olympics

FOUR Gold Coast men have been charged as part of an investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate accused of laundering money via cryptocurrency.

Detectives from New South Wale’s State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Curns in September last year investigating “cyber-enabled money laundering”.

So far seven people – two men and five women – have been charged over their alleged roles in the syndicate.

Detectives, with the help from the Australian Federal Police, issued a further six people with Court Attendance Notices in Queensland last month.

A 23-year-old Nerang man, a 46-year-old Main Beach man, a 66-year-old Paradise Point man and a 67-year-old Surfers Paradise man have been charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and various counts of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.

A 23-year-old Murwillumbah woman and 33-year-old Mount Gravatt man were also charged.

They are due to appear at Sydney Central Local Court on Monday.

Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said it would be alleged this was an organised criminal group who were operating across state and territory borders.

“Cybercrime investigators across the country and internationally are collaborating more and more and sharing real time information in a bid to disrupt and prevent cyber-criminals from causing harm,” Det Supt Craft said.

“What Strike Force Curns represents is those relationships being put into practice and law enforcement coming together nationally to make a real difference.

“Individuals may think if they target victims in NSW from outside our jurisdiction that they are safe, however they should be assured the Cybercrime Squad is actively watching,” Det Supt Craft said.

Investigations are continuing.