The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said that the search and arrest operation centred on "the activities of employees and agents of Securency International PTY Ltd and their alleged corrupt role in securing international polymer banknote contracts".
The SFO said that the raids involved 80 members of its staff and were jointly coordinated with the Australian Federal Police.
Eight homes and one commercial site were searched as part of the operation, the SFO said.
The SFO was reportedly investigating allegations that bribes had been paid by banknote maker Securency to secure business in Africa, Asia and South America.
"This is an excellent example of how anti-fraud agencies around the world are working together to fight economic crime," said SFO director Richard Alderman. "It requires much painstaking preparation to co-ordinate action like this and I am delighted that our collective hard work has resulted in successful searches in a number of jurisdictions."
New anti-bribery legislation was passed before the general election earlier this year to replace what were seen as outdated and confusing corruption laws. But the new Government has postponed the implementation of the Bribery Act.
It said in July that it wanted more time to consult with business on guidelines that ministers are obliged to produce to help companies stay on the right side of the law.
The new Act makes a company liable for bribery and corruption carried out by its employees unless it has adequate policies and procedures in place to combat corruption.
After pressure from business organisations the last Government conceded that it should produce guidance on what might count as 'adequate' under the law. It is these guidelines which will be the subject of further Government consultation.
The Ministry of Justice said in July that the law would come into force in April 2011.
