Two women were detained at Sydney International Airport with more than $1,000,000 in their suitcases

Security operations at Sydney International Airport took an unexpected turn early Tuesday morning when two women arriving on a flight from Singapore were stopped by customs officers. According to Australian Border Force (ABF), the women appeared nervous during routine questioning, prompting officials to conduct a detailed search of their luggage.

Inside their suitcases, officers discovered an unusually large quantity of neatly packed currency—comprising $982,000 in Australian banknotes and €186,000 in crisp Euro bills. The denominations were bundled in vacuum-sealed plastic pouches, raising immediate suspicion of undeclared financial transport and potential criminal intent.

Neither of the passengers, who are reportedly Australian nationals in their 30s, had completed a passenger declaration form disclosing the cash. Under Australian law, anyone entering the country with more than $10,000 AUD in cash must declare it. Failure to do so can result in seizure, fines, or criminal charges.

The ABF released a statement confirming the detention and the confiscation of the funds. 'These types of interceptions are not only about enforcing customs declarations,' said Superintendent Amanda Fry, spokesperson for the ABF. 'They're crucial in disrupting possible money laundering or organized financial crime operations.'

Airport sources revealed that the women offered inconsistent explanations when questioned separately. One claimed the cash was intended for a real estate investment, while the other allegedly stated it belonged to a 'friend' overseas. Authorities are now cross-referencing travel histories and phone records as part of a broader investigation.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have taken over the case and are expected to charge the women under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act. Legal experts say the penalties could range from significant fines to up to two years imprisonment, depending on intent and prior record.

Travelers in the airport's arrival lounge appeared startled as federal agents moved quickly through security, escorting the women into a back office. 'We didn't know what was going on—it looked serious,' said one witness, a tourist from Melbourne waiting for his luggage.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about illicit financial movements across international borders. Australia has seen a rise in similar cases over the past year, as authorities tighten screening measures amid global efforts to curb black market capital flows.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the detained individuals. Both remain in custody as forensic accountants begin tracing the origins of the seized cash. No legal representatives have made public statements on their behalf.

The ABF emphasized that there is no indication of a broader threat to airport security. However, they reiterated the importance of travelers adhering strictly to customs declaration requirements, especially when transporting large sums of currency.

Further updates are expected in the coming days as the AFP continues its investigation into what officials are calling one of the largest undeclared cash seizures at Sydney Airport in recent memory.