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Hundreds of people across the country may have lost millions of dollars to online container sales and investment scams.
The victims in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia are estimated to have lost more than $2.5 million between February 2022 and February 2024, Washington DC Police said.
Police allege a sophisticated money-laundering syndicate behind the alleged crime operation took money from victims under the guise of investment opportunities in stocks and Treasuries
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“In each case the victims received invoices and payment instructions directing them to make payments into bank accounts controlled by one of the accused,” a police spokesman said on Friday.
“The illicit funds were then transferred to various cryptocurrency wallets.”
The syndicate is also accused of accepting payments to buy shipping containers through several online companies.
“After making a payment, the victims did not receive a container delivery and were unable to contact the company,” the police spokesman said.
More than $1.3 million was laundered in Washington as a result of the alleged fraud and deception.
Detectives estimate that the total amount of money lost by victims across Australia is almost double that.
Three men, aged 42, 31 and 30, and one woman, aged 44, have been charged with 192 offences, including money laundering and possession of stolen or illegally obtained property.
They are due to appear at Perth Magistrates’ Court in the coming weeks.
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