Couple accused of cryptocurrency crime
A married couple has been accused of cryptocurrency laundering in NSW after they allegedly converted the proceeds of crime into digital currencies before moving the funds offshore.
The 32-year-old man and 29-year-old woman were arrested at a southwest Sydney home on Thursday and charged with more than 50 offences between them.
Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis says the couple – who are lawful non-citizens – opened 45 companies to launder fraudulently-obtained money.
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The $300,000 was then converted to digital currencies and sent to accounts offshore.
“We’ll be alleging that the money came from the purchase of goods online through the use of fraudulent credit cards and stolen identities,” Det Supt Katsogiannis told reporters.
He said cryptocurrencies were becoming popular with criminals and posed a significant challenge for police due to their semi-anonymous and decentralised nature.
The woman, who’s charged with 12 fraud offences, has been granted bail ahead of an appearance at Burwood Local Court in October.
Her husband is accused of 35 fraud offences, six identification fraud offences and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.
He’s been refused bail ahead of an appearance in the same court on Friday.
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