A 41-year-old woman from Cairns appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 1 November 2024, following her arrest for allegedly attempting to board a flight with $144,900 in suspected illicit cash.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) apprehended the woman on 15 September 2024, after security personnel at Cairns Airport alerted authorities during a routine screening process. Upon inspection, AFP officers discovered 2,598 $50 notes and 150 $100 notes concealed in bundles taped to her body beneath her dress.
The woman had intended to fly to Sydney at the time of her arrest. She faces one charge of possession of property suspected of being tainted property, in violation of section 252(1) of the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 (Qld). This charge carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a $16,130 fine.
Detective Superintendent Melissa Northam of the AFP commented on the situation, stating that significant amounts of cash are often indicative of criminal activities. “The AFP collaborates with staff at all major Australian airports to identify individuals who may be travelling to engage in criminal activities,” she said. “Anyone with unexplained sources of cash can be put before the courts to justify that wealth.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities at Australian airports by calling Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP) or alerting Airport Uniformed Police officers on site.
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