Media Release
Cybercrime Squad detectives charge trio alleging using scam money to purchase gold bullion
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police Force
NSW Police Cybercrime Squad detectives, with the assistance of the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), have charged three people and seized gold bullion following an investigation into an alleged $600,000 email scam under Strike Force Downstream.
Strike Force Downstream is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, investigating matters referred by the JPC3.
In May 2026, JPC3 analysts and industry partners – as part of JPC3 Operation Dolos – obtained evidence of a 20-year-old woman allegedly purchasing $100,000 worth of gold bullion on five occasions within a two-week period.
Information provided to Operation Dolos by the National Australia Bank, led to the identification of suspicious funds believed to be proceeds of crime obtained through a Business Email Compromise (BEC).
About 2.30pm on Thursday, 14 May 2026, strike force detectives, with assistance from JPC3 members, arrested the woman at a gold dealership in Sydney’s CBD.
Two men, aged 36 and 29, who were accompanying the woman were also arrested.
During a search of the group’s car, police located and seized a further $34,000 in cash and three mobile phones.
A subsequent search warrant was executed at an apartment in Zetland, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), where police located a further three mobile phones and documentation.
The trio were taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where the woman was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime >$5000 and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The younger man was charged with two counts of deal with property proceeds of crime < $100000 & < $5000, deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The older man was charged with deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
All three were refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 7 the same day.
The woman and 36-year-old man were granted conditional bail, while the younger man was refused bail.
The trio will re-appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on 28 May, 2026.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said this operation is an excellent example of the benefits of coordinated policing.
“The success of this investigation shows how effective we can be when agencies and industry partners operate side by side,” Det Supt Craft said.
“The partnerships within the JPC3 give us the capability to identify threats early, act decisively, and protect the community from complex cyber enabled crime.”
AFP Superintendent Marie Andersson said industry partnerships with law enforcement were crucial to detecting BEC at an early stage.
"Timely information from the National Australia Bank was crucial in helping police identify this alleged criminal activity and act quickly to disrupt it and place people before the courts," Det Supt Andersson said.
"About $300,000 of the funds allegedly stolen in this BEC scam have been recovered, and the JPC3 will continue working with our police, government and industry partners to alleviate the impact these types of scams have on our community."
How to protect yourself
To defend against BEC scams, follow these best practices:
- Verify payment requests through a trusted contact, not via phone numbers or emails listed in the invoice. Even if the request comes from the business’ ‘finance team’, confirm directly with your trusted contact.
- Implement ACSC’s Essential Eight mitigation strategies to strengthen your cyber posture.
- Contact your financial institution immediately if you believe you’ve made an incorrect payment.
- Report suspicious activity to police via ReportCyber.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or the Crime Stoppers website. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
