$11 Million in Assets Seized from Crime Syndicate Include Fine Art and Rolexes
Police have seized the assets of a major Middle Eastern organised crime syndicate involved in large-scale drug importation.
An asset seizure order has revealed details of the syndicate members’ lavish lifestyles, including expensive watches, jewellery, fine art, and a yacht forfeited to the Commonwealth.
The Supreme Court of Victoria’s decision marked the conclusion of Operation Fuji, led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which targeted the syndicate’s involvement in firearms, drug importation, and substantial wealth, along with threats to multiple individuals.
The investigation uncovered that despite being in prison, syndicate leaders orchestrated significant drug importations through communication with members of a Melbourne-based gang.
The alleged head of the syndicate, a 33-year-old Melbourne man, faces serious charges including directing criminal organization activities and importing large quantities of border-controlled drugs.
Operation Fuji was launched in 2021 after the Royal Malaysian Customs Department intercepted a large shipment of methamphetamine destined for Melbourne.
Fine Art Worth Millions
The Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) investigated luxury items owned by syndicate members, such as a yacht, properties, and paintings by notable Australian artists.
Assets worth millions, including paintings by artists like Ben Quilty, Fred Williams, and Adam Cullen, were seized due to suspected links to criminal proceeds.
A variety of luxury items, including Rolex watches, Cartier bracelets, and properties in Melbourne suburbs, were also surrendered, totaling millions of dollars.
The revenue from selling these assets will support crime prevention and law enforcement initiatives.
AFP Detective Superintendent Scott Raven emphasized the importance of dismantling criminal wealth to curb further illegal activities and make crime less profitable.
The success of Operation Fuji underscores the necessity of holding criminals accountable and removing all benefits derived from unlawful activities.
The CACT’s efforts to seize criminal assets and redirect funds to benefit the community have been instrumental in disrupting serious organized crime across Australia.
The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies ensures that funds from confiscated assets are reinvested to support crime prevention measures and law enforcement efforts.
The Commonwealth laws targeting crime money aim to seize and forfeit criminal proceeds, impose financial penalties, and issue unexplained wealth orders, independent of any criminal prosecution.
Since its inception, the CACT has restrained over $1.2 billion in criminal assets, including houses, vehicles, fine art, and luxury yachts.
