Hobart Airport: Luke Jackson charged with $150K suspected of being proceeds of crime

A former Olympian who now lives on the mainland has been charged after AFP officers allegedly found him in possession of more than $150,000 suspected of being proceeds of crime.

A 38-year-old Alexandria man being arrested at Hobart Airport on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Picture: AFP/ Tasmania Police

A high-profile Tasmanian boxer has been charged after he allegedly attempted to fly from Hobart to Sydney with over $150,000 cash hidden inside his luggage.

AFP and Tasmania Police officers conducted a routine baggage check at Hobart Airport on Thursday morning and allegedly identified a large amount of cash concealed inside the checked luggage of former Olympian Luke Christopher Jackson, 38.

Mr Jackson appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon charged with one count of dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

Mr Jackson, who now lives in Sydney’s Alexandria, bailed to reappear next month.

It is alleged the cash, in excess of $150,000 was hidden inside a green supermarket shopping bag within the check-in luggage.

A 38-year-old Alexandria man being arrested at Hobart Airport on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Picture: AFP/ Tasmania Police

Police then discovered another bundle of cash concealed within the lining of the bag.

AFP officers located and arrested Mr Jackson within the terminal after he was allegedly unable to provide sufficient information regarding why he was travelling with the significant amount of money.

A 38-year-old Alexandria man being arrested at Hobart Airport on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Picture: AFP/ Tasmania Police

Police seized the cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The maximum penalty for this offence is three years’ imprisonment.

AFP Detective Sergeant Aaron Hardcastle said the AFP worked closely with Tasmania Police and Hobart Airport to ensure domestic and international flights were not used as transit routes for criminal and illicit activities.

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“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,” Det Sergeant Hardcastle said.

“We will continue to ensure all airports remain a hostile environment for criminal syndicates to prevent their illicit activities.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 18: Luke Jackson makes his way into the ring for his WBO interim featherweight title bout with Carl Frampton at Windsor Park on August 18, 2018 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“This arrest should serve as a serious warning to anyone attempting to travel across our country with large and suspicious amounts of cash – the AFP will target and identify you, seizing your alleged illicit wealth and bring you to justice.”

Commander Ian Whish-Wilson from Tasmania Police’s Crime and Intelligence Command said police conduct ongoing screening at air and sea ports to make these entry and exit points as hostile as possible for any criminal activity.

“We’ll continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure criminals aren’t profiting from illegal activity in Tasmania,” Commander Whish-Wilson said.

Mr Jackson, known to fans of the sport as ‘Action’ Jackson, is one of the country’s top boxers, captaining the Australian team at the London 2012 Olympics. He has won 21 of his 23 bouts, most recently his rematch against Tyson Lantry in August at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.