Aussie Police Europol Joint Operation Dismantles US$353 million Money Laundering Ring
The Australian Federal Police and Europol have disrupted a major offshore money laundering service called AudiA6, arresting two suspects in Georgia and seizing millions in crypto assets linked to global ransomware attacks.
Harry Taruva 
Australia — In a blow to international syndicates, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has collaborated with Europol to dismantle a sophisticated offshore money laundering operation that cleaned a staggering AU$542 million (US$353 million) for global cybercriminals.
The network, operating under the moniker "AudiA6," allegedly processed dirty cryptocurrency for various digital extortionists, including a ransomware group that previously targeted and extorted an Australian corporate business.
The operational breakthrough began in November 2025 when international investigators unmasked two foreign administrators orchestrating the money laundering service from Georgia.
The syndicate specialised in converting illegally obtained crypto assets into traditional fiat currencies, charging commissions ranging between three and 10 percent.
The criminal enterprise, which extensively advertised its services on the notorious cybercrime forum 'Dark2Web', is suspected of laundering more than AU$542 million between 2022 and 2025.
It is alleged that part of a ransom paid by an infiltrated Australian firm in 2024 was funneled directly through the network.
Europol's cybercrime and cryptocurrency experts, working in tandem with the AFP, successfully traced the illicit digital flows and mapped out AudiA6’s cross-border infrastructure.
A coordinated raid on June 10, 2026, in Georgia resulted in the arrest of two key suspects, the searching of three properties, the termination of 25 domains and the seizure of more than 30 servers.
Furthermore, law enforcement successfully froze US$1.1 million in cryptocurrency assets and seized US$141,000 in crypto cash, replacing the syndicate's clear and dark web sites with official law enforcement seizure banners.
The multi-jurisdictional crackdown saw servers dismantled across France, Germany, Iceland and the United States, with operational support from global partners including Canada, Georgia, Japan, Poland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Commenting on the global syndicate's takedown, AFP Cybercrime Commander, Graeme Marshall, lauded the seamless cross-border synergy.
“The AFP and our partners have the same goal - to disrupt cybercrime activity and hold alleged offenders to account,” Commander Marshall said.
Highlighting the critical nature of international cooperation, Marshall said “The strong relationship between our law enforcement partners is critical to achieving this goal.
"The work of our investigators and analysts in this operation was valuable to our international partners, and I’m proud of their efforts that contributed to this outcome in Europe," he said.
Commander Marshall also said cybercriminals are active around the world, and law enforcement will always work together to disrupt the illegal activities.
