October 27, 2009   Article from:  Australian Associated Press

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26268030-12377,00.html 

TWO Sydney men have faced court charged with possessing $1.8 million suspected of being obtained illegally. 

Amir Rafizadeh, 53, of Castle Hill, and Abdul Hameed, 57, of Baulkham Hills, appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court today. 

Documents tendered to the court allege Mr Hameed had in his possession $1,178,000 in illegally-obtained money, while Mr Rafizadeh had $603,480. 

Prior to the hearing, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged the men were laundering the money and sending it overseas. 

The AFP said it had been investigating the two men for four months. 

The men agreed to surrender their passports and bail was continued following their Sydney court appearance. 

The matter is due to return to the same court on December 15. 

The maximum penalty for the offence is two years' jail.