QLD woman charged for attempting to board a plane allegedly carrying cash believed to be the proceeds of crime

Editor's note: An image of the cash is available on Hightail

A Cairns woman is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today (1 November, 2024) for allegedly trying to fly interstate with $144,900 in suspected illicit cash.

The AFP arrested the woman, 41, on 15 September, 2024, after Cairns Airport security alerted the AFP, following security screening.

AFP officers searched the woman and found 2598 $50 notes and 150 $100 notes in bundles taped to her body under her dress.

The woman was planning to fly to Sydney.

The woman was charged with one count of possession of property suspected of being tainted property, contrary to section 252(1) of the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 (Qld).

It carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment or a $16,130 fine.

AFP Detective Superintendent Melissa Northam said large amounts of cash were often a sign of criminal activity.

"The AFP works with staff at all major Australian airports to identify individuals who may be travelling to engage in criminal activities," Det-Supt Northam said.

"Anyone with unexplained sources of cash can be put before the courts to justify that wealth."

Anyone who notices something suspicious or out of the ordinary at Australian airports should call Airport Watch on 131 237 (131 AFP) or notify one of the AFP' Airport Uniformed Police officers.