Queensland Police lay money laundering charges against four people linked to Brisbane gym franchise

Four people from a Brisbane gym franchise outlet have been charged with money laundering by Queensland Police following the interception of a light aeroplane that led to the seizure of $9 million in drugs, weapons and cash.

The charges result from an investigation in which more than $1.5 million was allegedly transferred to an offshore location and follow Queensland Police having intercepted a plane at Brisbane’s Redcliffe Airport in 2020 in which cocaine, weapons, large quantities of cannabis and $9 million in cash were seized.

Queensland Police identified people linked to an as yet unnamed gym operating in Brisbane allegedly transferring structured monetary deposits via a money remittance service to an overseas location.

As a result a 33-year-old man has been charged with nine counts of money laundering knowingly, and a 51-year-old woman has been charged with 34 counts of the same offence.

A 37-year-old man and a 44-year-old man have each been charged with one count of money laundering knowingly with circumstances of aggravation being part of a criminal organisation.

All four have been released on bail and will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 24th August.

Detectives from Carseldine CIB advised in a statement that they “are expecting to make further arrests”.

Detectives have also have urged anyone with information to contact them.

Reports can be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au

Images: Piles of $50 notes seized by Queensland Police in connection to alleged money laundering (top) and detectives questioning a man at a Brisbane gym allegedly connected to the transfer of money to offshore accounts (below). Credit: Queensland Police Service.