Williamstown lawyer faces trial for money laundering

A Williamstown lawyer, charged by Victorian anti-gangland detectives investigating the cold case of a $4 million Armaguard heist in 1994, has been committed to stand trial.

The lawyer, John Anile, 56, has a practice at 102 Ferguson Street.

In February, Anile contested two charges of money laundering and obtaining financial advantage by deception at a committal hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Last month, he was directed to stand trial in the County Court in May next year.

It’s alleged the offences were committed at various locations in Victoria on or about August 11, 1994, and July 21, 1995.

A summary of evidence alleges Anile laundered money for an organised crime syndicate responsible for armed robberies, murders and other serious crimes.

The deception charge relates to Anile allegedly avoiding stamp duty and associated taxes and fees by under- quoting the sale and purchase price of land at Williamstown.

Money used to buy the land was allegedly stolen on June 22, 1994, when a gang dressed as road workers held up an Armaguard van at an off-ramp of the Monash Freeway at Richmond.

– with The Age