As a result of ongoing investigations by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service, two additional men have been charged with fraud and money laundering offences arising from Operation Stockade.
A 31-year-old Bowen Hills man was charged last night with aggravated fraud in relation to the failure to deposit money into a trust account. He has been bailed to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 November 2018.
A 33-year-old Woodford man was this afternoon issued with a Notice to Appear in court to face one charge of aggravated fraud and one charge of aggravated money laundering. He is expected to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 November 2018.
Six men, including four lawyers, have now been charged with a total of 12 offences as a result of Operation Stockade. See previous media release for details of other charges.
The CCC’s investigation remains ongoing. As these matters are now before the court, the CCC will not be commenting further.
The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
Update 22 October 2018 – 9.05pm
In response to matters raised by a lawyer for one of the defendants which were reported in the media, the CCC has determined it is in the public interest to clarify two items.
The timing of the CCC’s activities yesterday was undertaken after giving careful consideration to reducing the impact of the CCC’s action upon the business and activities of the Queensland courts which occur on week days, and the defendants’ ongoing representation of their clients before those courts.
In relation to allegations that the children of one of the defendants were yesterday left at home alone by the CCC for a short period, the arrangements made for the children were entirely those insisted upon by the defendant, notwithstanding alternative arrangements suggested by the CCC. In undertaking its activities yesterday, the CCC took all possible steps to ensure the welfare of the defendant’s children were paramount.
ENDS
