The family of a South Sudanese army general allegedly claimed $470,000 in welfare payments from the Australian Government at the same time as they paid for a luxury Melbourne house with a $1.5 million cheque.

The revelation comes from an affidavit sworn by Australian Federal Police agent Graham White as police try to keep a restraining order on a Narre Warren house and European cars owned by the family of retired General James Hoth Mai.

Actor George Clooney's organisation The Sentry was critical in uncovering the alleged hiding of assets by General Mai. Credit:AP

General Mai has applied for the court to dismiss the restraining order, as police allege the family's wealth was gained by corruption and money laundering.

The case involving retired General Mai made headlines earlier this year when it emerged the AFP interest in his family’s Australian assets was sparked by a 2016 report co-authored by Hollywood star George Clooney.