Australian law enforcement has charged four individuals in connection with a massive cryptocurrency money laundering operation that allegedly processed over 123 million Australian dollars (approximately $85 million USD). The charges come after an 18-month investigation conducted by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce and the Australian Federal Police.
Front Companies and Sophisticated Tactics
Authorities allege the accused used several legitimate-looking businesses—including a security services firm, a classic car dealership, and a marketing company—as fronts to disguise the movement of illicit funds. The security business is said to have commingled legal income with proceeds from criminal activities, converting nearly 190 million AUD into cryptocurrencies.
The operation reportedly involved complex money movement strategies, including the use of fake companies, multiple bank accounts, encrypted communications, and physical cash drops transported by couriers and domestic flights.
Who Was Charged
- Daniel and Nicole Ware, directors of the Gold Coast security company, were charged with laundering more than 10 million AUD.
- Aleksander Alincic, from Heathwood, allegedly laundered 9.5 million AUD and used his wife as a dummy director to mask his role.
- Peter Nolan, a Brisbane businessman running a classic car dealership, allegedly processed 6.4 million AUD through a network of bank accounts and entities.
Asset Seizures
Authorities have frozen around 21 million AUD in assets across Queensland and New South Wales. The seizures include 17 properties, luxury vehicles, multiple bank accounts, encrypted devices, and approximately 170,000 AUD worth of cryptocurrency.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Alincic remains in custody, while the other three individuals were granted bail and are scheduled to appear in court between July and August. Investigators are continuing to trace the origins and final destinations of the laundered funds, which may include international transactions and activity through a Brisbane-based cryptocurrency exchange.
Police say this case highlights the increasing use of legitimate businesses in concealing illicit funds and the growing sophistication of financial crime involving cryptocurrencies.
