Money Laundering Lawyers Brisbane

Money Laundering Allegations in Australia

Money laundering allegations are serious and often move quickly—from an investigation, to search warrants and account freezes, to criminal charges. These matters are document-heavy, technical, and can involve both Queensland offences (tainted property/proceeds) and Commonwealth money laundering offences.

If you have been contacted by police, the ATO, or another agency, or you’ve been charged with money laundering or tainted property offences, early legal advice is critical. Cridland & Hua provides strategic criminal defence representation for clients across Brisbane and Queensland.

What is “Money Laundering” in Australia?

In Australia, the principal money laundering offences sit in Division 400 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). These offences are broadly framed and can apply to a wide range of conduct involving dealing with money or property that is (or is believed to be) the proceeds of crime.

Depending on the allegation, “dealing with” can include receiving, possessing, concealing, disposing of, or engaging in transactions involving money or property.

Queensland “Tainted Property” and Proceeds of Crime Offences

Many Queensland matters are prosecuted as “tainted property” offences rather than (or alongside) Commonwealth money laundering charges.

Under Queensland legislation, it is an offence to receive, possess, dispose of, bring into Queensland, conceal or disguise property that may reasonably be suspected of being tainted property.

Queensland law also defines “tainted property” in the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 (Qld), including property used in connection with an offence, or derived from the commission of an offence (and related definitions that can apply in money laundering contexts).

Common Situations We See

Money laundering / tainted property matters can arise from allegations such as:

• handling cash or property said to come from another person’s offending
• bank transfers, “layering”, or movement of funds through accounts
• use of third parties (friends, family, associates) to hold or move funds
• purchasing vehicles, luxury items, or assets said to be funded by proceeds
• business activity alleged to be used to “legitimise” funds

In many cases, the dispute is about what you knew, what you reasonably suspected, and what the prosecution can actually prove.

Penalties for Money Laundering Offences

Commonwealth money laundering offences have tiered maximum penalties based on the value of the money/property and the mental state alleged (for example, intention, recklessness, negligence). For higher-value allegations, the maximum penalties can be very significant.

Queensland “tainted property” offences can also carry substantial penalties, and they frequently sit alongside other serious allegations (drug, violence, fraud, weapons).

Because sentencing exposure depends on the exact charge(s) laid, the alleged value, and the evidence, we focus early on:

• identifying the most vulnerable elements of the prosecution case
• preventing allegations from escalating unnecessarily

What To Do If You’re Under Investigation

If an agency wants to speak with you, or you’ve received a notice to attend an interview or produce documents, get advice before taking action. In proceeds matters, statements and records can be interpreted in ways you don’t expect—and “helpful” explanations can unintentionally fill gaps.

Early legal advice may also help you manage practical issues such as:

• bail and strict release conditions
• phones/devices seized under warrant
• bank account restrictions or asset concerns
• requests for passwords, access, or statements

How Cridland & Hua Can Help

We assist clients with:

• urgent advice during investigations (before charges are laid)
• representation for interviews and agency contact
• bail applications and variations
• detailed evidence review (financial records, communications, digital material)
• negotiations with prosecutors where appropriate
• defended hearings, trials and sentencing advocacy
• coordinated strategy where matters involve multiple alleged offences or agencies

Our approach is practical, discreet, and focused on protecting your position from the outset.

Speak With a Brisbane Money Laundering Defence Lawyer

If you’re facing allegations involving money laundering, proceeds of crime, or tainted property offences, contact Cridland & Hua as soon as possible. Early advice can significantly affect the direction and outcome of the matter.

Call us on (07) 3210 0500 or contact us online for confidential legal advice.

Disclaimer: This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your circumstances, please speak with a qualified criminal defence lawyer.