🇦🇺 Former NSW Police Officer Accused of Stealing AU$1.36M in Gold to Fund Gambling Habit

🔍 Overview of the Case

• Suspect: A 32-year-old former NSW Police Force officer, referred to as “Officer DAR” in the report.

• Alleged crimes:

  • Larceny

  • Money laundering

  • Providing false or misleading information

  • Evasion of transaction reporting obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth)

🧱 Key Details of the Alleged Misconduct

• Gold stolen: 12 gold bars stored in a plastic box beneath his mother’s house

• Value of gold: Approximately AU$1.36 million

• Victim: The gold belonged to RAD2, the brother of the suspect’s deceased father.

• Timeframe of thefts:

  • Between February 2021 and December 2022

💰 Transactions with Gold Dealers

• Officer DAR visited gold bullion dealers multiple times to sell the stolen gold:

  • 7 bars sold between Feb–Nov 2021: AU$780,991

  • 5 more bars sold between Feb–Dec 2022: AU$580,170

• Total amount received from the sales: AU$1,361,161

🎰 Gambling Addiction as a Motivating Factor

• According to his mother, the suspect had a long-standing gambling problem, dating back to age 18 or 19.

• The entire proceeds from the sale of gold were allegedly used for gambling.

⚖️ Legal and Disciplinary Proceedings

• The case was investigated by NSW’s Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

• The LECC has referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for criminal prosecution.

• Potential charges include:

  • Larceny under Section 117 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

  • Money laundering and false reporting under AML/CTF Act

• The acts are described as “serious misconduct” due to their criminal nature and potential for disciplinary action.

🧠 Analysis & Implications

✅ Key Issues Highlighted:

• Breach of trust and ethics: The case involves a law enforcement officer abusing his position, potentially damaging public trust in police.

• Gambling disorder: This case reinforces how problem gambling can lead to serious criminal behaviour and long-term financial ruin.

• Exploitation of inheritance: The gold was part of a family inheritance that was never meant for the suspect, showing a personal betrayal as well.

🚨 Systemic Concerns:

• Regulation of gold sales: The case raises questions about due diligence by bullion dealers—were red flags missed in repeated high-value transactions?

• AML compliance: Authorities are likely to scrutinize dealer compliance with reporting obligations under AU$10,000 transaction thresholds.

⏳ Next Steps

• Criminal charges and court proceedings are pending.

• Penalties, if convicted, could include:

  • Lengthy imprisonment

  • Asset recovery

  • Potential fines under financial crime laws

📌 Conclusion

This case is a stark reminder of how gambling addiction, when left untreated, can lead to escalating criminal conduct—even among those sworn to uphold the law. It also reveals the complex intersection between family inheritance, mental health, and financial crime.