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2 people charged for money laundering, drug supply in Gold Coast firm
An ongoing crime investigation has found two more people could be fronting “serious criminal charges” over money laundering allegations within a Gold Coast law firm.
Naomi Neilson
The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has served a notice to appear to one man over alleged money laundering and another for supplying a dangerous drug. They are both expected to front the court in March.
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It is alleged that the money laundering involved proceeds of serious criminal offences being paid for legal services undertaken by the Gold Coast firm.
It comes after the CCC charged two others in December 2020 over similar activity in the firm. After a 16-month major crime investigation, one man was issued with a notice to appear to face three counts of money laundering, two counts of fraud, two counts of supplying a dangerous drug and three counts of possession of the drug.
In the case of the man issued a notice in December 2020, it was alleged that the money laundering involved criminal offences paid by clients for legal services undertaken by the firm and also for fraud offences committed against Legal Aid. He was previously charged in July 2020 with two counts of possessing dangerous drug.
At the same time, a woman was served a notice to face four counts of possessing a dangerous drug, also related to the firm.
ACC chairperson Alan MacSporran QC said at the time: “In my view, any alleged criminal offending by individuals associated with the legal profession is very serious.
“Legal Aid Queensland helps Queenslanders engage with the legal system. Any fraud on Legal Aid ultimately impacts on tax payers and those people who are financially disadvantaged that require access to their services.”
