Guatemalans arrested after $1.3m seized in Sydney storage unit
Two Guatemalans were hunted down by NSW Police after an investigation into an international money laundering syndicate led to a storage unit in Sydney's inner west, where $1.25 million cash was found in two bags.
On Saturday Strike Force Muirhead detectives searched a storage lock-up in Annandale, where the cash was discovered, triggering arrests at Sydney airport and a Bondi beach hotel.
A 51-year-old Guatemalan man was intercepted by Australian Federal Police and Border Force agents at Sydney airport on Sunday, trying to board a plane bound for Chile.
NSW Police escort an arrested Guatemalan man out of a police vehicle, following his arrest. Supplied
He was hit with multiple charges, including dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.
Following further investigations, detectives arrested a 28-year-old Guatemalan man inside a hotel at Bondi Beach yesterday afternoon.
Detectives searched one of the hotel apartments, where they seized $80,000 cash, an encrypted communications device, documents and other property.
He faces similar charges as the other accused.
Both men were refused bail.
NSW Police allegedly found large amounts of cash, after raiding an Annandale storage locker and a Bondi hotel room. Supplied
NSW Police allegedly found large amounts of cash, after raiding an Annandale storage locker and a Bondi hotel room. Supplied
The man arrested at the airport will appear at Newtown Local Court on January 23.
The second man is scheduled to face Parramatta Bail Court today.
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