Hermes, Rolex: Alleged money launderers’ billionaire lifestyle

The puppet masters behind an alleged international money laundering syndicate lived like billionaires. Now they’re on remand. See the video, photos.

The puppet masters behind an alleged international money laundering syndicate lived like billionaires.

Their handbags were Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Fendi, their watches were Rolex and Patek Phillipe.

When they jumped behind the wheel it was in Porsche and Mercedes Benz SUVs; when flying they walked straight past the Jetstar check in and went by private jet.

McDonalds was off the menu. When they went to dinner, they ordered the best wine and Australia’s best restaurants.

Luxury watches seized from Melbourne AFP warrant. Picture: Supplied

Dropping $10,000 on a bottle of red was like ordering UberEats, police allege.

The Australian Federal Police has restrained $60 million in assets from seven alleged ringleaders who were charged in one of the nation’s biggest ever money laundering stings.

The group was known as the Long River money laundering syndicate, with those charged ranging in age from 35 to 40 years old.

A Lexus seized in raids on the alleged money laundering syndicate. Picture: Supplied

Four were Chinese nationals, while three were Australian citizens.

They are now spending the night in remand cells in Melbourne.

It’s a long way from the $10m trophy home with a stylish swimming pool and a basement garage bigger than most family homes they allegedly bought with the proceeds of crime.

A Hermes bag seized from a Melbourne AFP warrant. Picture: Supplied

A Mercedes-Maybach GLS seized in Victoria. Picture: Supplied

Police have also taken over bank accounts containing $7 million belonging to those charged.

“The AFP alleges syndicate members were eating at Australia’s most extravagant restaurants, drank wine and sake worth tens of thousands of dollars, travelled on private jets and drove vehicles purchased for almost $400,000,” Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto said.

“One was allegedly living in a home with more than $10 million.”

This Rolex is worth $94,000.

Handbags seized in the investigation known as Operation Avarus-Nightwolf. Picture: Supplied

The Criminal Asset Confiscation Taskforce was still working on restraining more cash and luxury items.

The assets will be kept in storage for six months and will then be sold if there are no court challenges.

The money made from the sales will be spent on crime prevention programs.

Assistant Commissioner Dametto said the wealth displayed by the alleged money launderers would “offend” hard working Australians.

‘Even after more than 20 years in law enforcement and as a former lawyer myself the amount of money allegedly laundered still surprises me,” he added.