A Gold Coast couple is accused of running a $190 million money laundering ring through a security firm that allegedly turned cash into cryptocurrency for criminal groups across Australia.
Police Uncover Multi-State Criminal Network Laundering Millions Through Crypto and Couriers
A Gold Coast couple is at the heart of a sprawling money laundering operation that authorities say transferred nearly $190 million in illicit cash into cryptocurrency over an 18-month period.
Daniel Ware, director of a Queensland-based security company, and his wife Nicole Ware, the company’s general manager, have been charged with dealing with the proceeds of general crime worth more than $10 million. Their arrests follow a sweeping investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate that used a complex web of businesses, couriers, and cryptocurrency exchanges to wash millions for organised crime groups.
Australian Federal Police (AFP), leading the multi-agency probe through the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT), revealed that assets worth $21 million have been frozen. These include 17 properties, high-end vehicles, and various bank accounts across Queensland and New South Wales—suspected to be funded by proceeds of crime.
Police say the laundering operation used legitimate cash movements from the company’s armoured transport services to mask the flow of criminal funds. These legitimate earnings were allegedly combined with cash collected by couriers from “dead-drop” locations nationwide, before being flown as cargo to Queensland and fed into a network of transactions.
“The results we are announcing today will deliver a significant blow to alleged individuals who have relied on this operation to turn their ill-gotten profits into property portfolios, luxury cars and cryptocurrency,” said AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer. “A sophisticated operation” was how he described the network that allegedly masked criminal proceeds through “seemingly legitimate” South East Queensland businesses.
Police also allege the funds moved through companies including a promotions agency, a crypto exchange, and a classic car dealership—all used as fronts to funnel cash into crypto assets or pay out third parties.
Brisbane man Peter Nolan, 58, director of the car dealership, is accused of laundering $6.4 million through the business over 17 months. Meanwhile, Heathwood resident Aleksander Alincic, 32, is alleged to have controlled the promotions company that received around $9.5 million. Investigators claim Mr Alincic tried to conceal his role by appointing his wife as the “straw director”.
Alincic, described in court as the “key facilitator” of the scheme, has been charged with money laundering and failing to provide a phone password. Police allege he maintained business ties with entities in Serbia and Canada. He was granted bail under strict reporting conditions and will reappear in court on August 1.
During raids, authorities seized encrypted devices, business records, $30,000 in cash, and crypto wallets containing approximately $170,000.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further arrests not ruled out.
