Former police officer in New South Wales illegally seizes family heirloom gold, subsequently squanders funds at gambling establishments.
A former New South Wales Police Force officer is facing potential legal action for selling a dozen gold bars worth over AU$1 million, which were stolen from a family member, and is linked to allegations of larceny and money laundering. This investigation, known as Operation Dartmoor, has been ongoing since the suspicious banking transactions were flagged by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre.
The investigation involved a forensic examination of the officer's financial accounts, covert surveillance, witness interviews, and a search warrant on the officer's home that uncovered a substantial quantity of gold. The officer, who is referred to as "Officer DAR" in the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) report, used the proceeds from the gold sales to fund a gambling addiction.
The gold bars, valued at more than AU$1.36 million, were hidden in a plastic box underneath the family house. The stolen gold bars were sold to gold bullion dealers, resulting in the substantial amount. The charges are based on the suspect's alleged permanent deprivation of the gold's owner of the gold.
The suspect, a 32-year-old man, allegedly sold seven gold bars on five different occasions between February 10, 2021, and November 6, 2021, and collected AU$780,991. Five more gold bars were sold between February 10, 2022, and December 13, 2022, on five occasions. Officer DAR allegedly received $580,170 for those gold bars.
The crime is considered "serious misconduct" as it could result in prosecution for a serious offence or lead to serious disciplinary action. The investigation was conducted by the LECC and has been referred to the Public Prosecutions director.
As of August 11, 2025, the officer "could face legal action" suggesting formal charges or prosecution proceedings are either imminent or underway. No public updates indicate resolution or sentencing yet, implying the case remains under investigation or prosecution process.
The gold bars belonged to the brother of the suspect's father, RAD2, who had passed away. After RAD2's death, the gold bars had to be inherited by the suspect's brother. The suspect's mother stated that his interest in gambling dated back to when he was 18 or 19 years old.
It is yet to be seen what penalty the 32-year-old man may face for his crimes. The charges also involve alleged violations of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006. The latest update on the case involves a former NSW Police Force officer who is facing potential legal action for selling family gold bars worth over AU$1 million to fund a gambling addiction.
- The former NSW Police Force officer, under investigation in Operation Dartmoor, allegedly used funds from the sale of stolen gold bars to fuel a gambling addiction, which raises concerns about gambling trends and potential links to crime and justice.
- The investigation into the officer's activities, which uncovered a substantial quantity of gold and illegal financial transactions, has expanded to include allegations of violations of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006, making it a significant case of casino-and-gambling related crime and general news.
