{"id":6010,"date":"2026-05-06T17:42:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/6010\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T17:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T17:42:14","slug":"5-7-million-discovery-in-suburban-home-in-major-australian-police-bust-one-of-the-biggest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/6010\/","title":{"rendered":"$5.7 million discovery in suburban home in major Australian police bust: \u2018One of the biggest\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Australian police have seized millions of dollars\u2019 worth of digital currency, allegedly the proceeds of illegal activity on darknet marketplaces.<\/p>\n

During the 15-month probe<\/a>, police seized a total of $5.7 million in cryptocurrency and illicit drugs.<\/p>\n

Detectives established that a 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old man allegedly had access to this cryptocurrency wallet, with bitcoin believed to be from illegal darknet dealings.<\/p>\n

Online dealing could offer a range of goods and services, which include prohibited drugs and weapons.<\/p>\n

In a series of search warrants starting in May last year, police allegedly seized several electronic devices and about 7.2 grams of cocaine at a home in Surfside, on the NSW South Coast.<\/p>\n

This led detectives to further discover and seize $47,000 worth of cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n

\u201cA 39-year-old man was arrested and taken to Batemans Bay Police Station where he was charged with failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction, deal with property proceeds of crime $5,000,000 or more, supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity) and supply prohibited drug,\u201d NSW Police said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story about an online crypto scam? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Police<\/p>\n

The NSW Police operation was ‘one of the biggest’ cryptocurrency seizures in Australian history. Source: NSW Police<\/p>\n

The matter remains before the local court with the man expected to appear on Monday, June 15.<\/p>\n

A 41-year-old man was also charged with alleged involvement in the crypto transfer worth over $100,000.<\/p>\n

He remains before Campbeltown Local Court and is due to appear next Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to Monday, detectives and the riot squad executed a search warrant at 6.40am in Ingleburn, in Sydney\u2019s southwest.<\/p>\n

Police discovered and seized electronic devices where 52.3 bitcoin, valued at about $5.7 million was allegedly found. Detectives allege the crypto is linked to illegal darknet activity.<\/p>\n

RELATED<\/p>\n

\"Hacker<\/p>\n

Online dealing could offer a range of goods and services which include prohibited drugs and weapons. Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

(boonchai wedmakawand via Getty Images)\u2018One of the biggest\u2019 crypto seizures in Australian history<\/p>\n

Commander of State Crime Command\u2019s Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said the operation was \u201cone of the biggest\u201d cryptocurrency seizures in Australian history.<\/p>\n

\u201c[This is] a clear reminder that criminal activity on the darknet is not anonymous,\u201d Det Supt Craft said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCriminals operating on the darknet often believe they are beyond the reach of law enforcement, but this investigation shows that is simply not the case.<\/p>\n

\u201cDarknet marketplaces remain a key enabler of serious criminal activity, and our detectives are actively targeting those who use them to trade illicit goods or launder money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inquiries under Strike Force Andalusia are ongoing.<\/p>\n

Anyone with information about organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.<\/p>\n

You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n