The WA Police and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre AUSTRAC have charged many people believed to be involved in Vietnamese Established Criminal Network that engaged in the laundering of $5 million since February 2019. The arrest of the first suspect took place on Thursday 27 June 2019 after the bank alerted WA Police about suspicious transaction initiated by a man 27-years and a woman, 25-years in Perth area. They allegedly visited several banks and deposited money into different bank accounts. They were later arrested in an hotel room following the issue of a search warrant, and it was found that more than $180,000 deposits was made and $6,000 was recovered from them. They were later charged with the possession of stolen or unlawful property, they have appeared in court several times and are still expected to appear again in the Perth Magistrates Court on February 21, 2020.
The second arrest took place on Wednesday 14 August 2019 following the issuance of a search warrant on a residential area in French Street, Tuart Hill. During the search, 24 kg of Cannabis material ready to be distributed, alongside several drugs were found. Other items such as $170,000 cash and other items including drugs and firearms were also found. Two people, a 32-year old woman and a 25-year man were also arrested. The woman was alleged of having completed over $3.3 million worth financial transactions and is expected to appear before the Perth Magistrate Court on Friday 28 February 2020.
