A trip to Dubai led to serious legal consequences for 30-year-old Delina Stevenson, who was sentenced by a court in New South Wales to two years and three months in prison for her involvement in money laundering activities serving drug trafficking.
According to the case file, Stevenson received nearly $400,000 through 22 transactions between late 2023 and early 2024. This money was transferred to other parties under an agreement to keep a 15% commission. Authorities determined that these funds were linked to the purchase of approximately 10 kg of cocaine.
The court stated that Stevenson met an Italian national in Dubai during a trip and subsequently participated in money transfer activities through her personal business in Bondi.
She was arrested by the Australian Border Force during the investigation after communication messages were collected as evidence.
In court, Stevenson testified that she was not fully aware of the illegal purpose of the cash flow in the early stages but continued to participate because she felt "obligated." The defense lawyer argued that the client was impressionable; however, the judge ruled that the defendant had sufficient cognitive capacity and engaged in activities of a commercial nature.
The court handed down a sentence of 2 years and 3 months in prison, with a non-parole period of 8 months before becoming eligible for supervised release. After serving her term, Stevenson must comply with a 3-year recognizance order.
