Former Hells Angels member Dayne Brajkovich reportedly purchased $27,000 worth of gold from the Perth Mint in Western Australia without undergoing comprehensive screening. Despite the mint’s obligation to conduct extensive checks on higher-risk customers, Brajkovich claimed he was only asked for his driver’s license. It should be noted that there is no evidence suggesting that Brajkovich’s money was obtained illegally. Meanwhile, the Perth Mint is currently under investigation by financial crime regulator AUSTRAC for compliance concerns regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. If found guilty of breaching money laundering laws, the mint could face significant criminal fines, which would be paid by taxpayers in Western Australia. A Perth Mint spokesperson stated that the corporation is obligated to report to AUSTRAC if staff suspect a person or transaction is linked to a crime. The Perth Mint has launched remediation programs and processes to improve its engagement with customers and address instances of historical non-compliance. As Australia’s biggest gold refinery, the Perth Mint generated nearly $22 billion in revenue last year and sold almost 20 million coins, medallions, and bars to customers in over 130 countries.
Perth Mint’s gold sale to ex-criminal under investigation.
