Former Olympic boxer Luke Jackson arrested with more than $150k at Hobart airport

More than $150,000 in cash was found allegedly hidden inside the carry-on luggage of a former Olympic boxer as he attempted to fly from Hobart to Sydney.

Retired Olympian boxer Luke Jackson, has been charged at Hobart airport after more than $150,000 cash was found allegedly hidden in his luggage.

Mr Jackson, 38, represented Australia as the boxing team’s captain at the 2012 London Olympics.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the seized cash is the proceeds of crime.

The money was found inside a green supermarket shopping bag within check-in luggage and was discovered during a routine baggage check at the airport.

More than $150,000 in cash was found within the 38-year-old’s check-in luggage. Picture: AFP

The former pro boxer was arrested inside the terminal at Hobart airport on Thursday. Picture: AFP

An additional bundle of cash was then allegedly discovered by AFP and Tasmania Police officers hidden within the lining of the bag.

AFP officers then arrested the former pro boxer within the terminal after he was allegedly unable to provide sufficient information as to why he was carrying the large quantity of money.

Mr Jackson was charged with one count of dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime and on Thursday faced Hobart Magistrates Court, where he was bailed to reappear next month.

The 38-year-old grew up in Tasmania but now lives in Alexandria, Sydney. He won six Australian titles and his last fight before retiring was a unanimous points win against Tyson Lantry in Sydney in August.

Mr Jackson represented Australia as the boxing team’s captain at the 2012 London Olympics. Picture: Richard Dobson

The 38-year-old was born in Hobart but now lives in Sydney. Picture: Richard Jupe

AFP Detective Sergeant Aaron Hardcastle said Mr Jackson’s arrest served as a “serious warning” to anyone travelling across the country with suspicious quantities of cash.

“The AFP, together with Tasmania Police and our law enforcement partners across Australia, will continue to keep a watchful eye across our airports and borders,” he said.

“The AFP will target and identify you, seizing your alleged illicit wealth and bring you to justice.”