Charged 22 mums over fraud
She was one of 22 people arrested last week across the south west, including Bankstown, Greenacre and Yagoona, bringing the total of arrests to more than 40 people since May.
Police investigating family day care fraud have exposed an alleged extensive network of fraudsters, including mums and dads who have been caught up in a sophisticated syndicate.
Police arrested 22 women last week across the south west, including Bankstown, Greenacre and Yagoona, bringing the total of arrests to more than 40 people since May.
It will be alleged that the women provided the personal details of their children and knowingly participated in activities associated with making fraudulent claims.
In July 2018, detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad and Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Mercury to investigate the coordinated fraudulent activities targeting family day care operations.
Police will allege in court that the syndicate fraudulently claimed at least $3.9 million in payments over a 10-month period under the Child Care Subsidy schemes.
In May 2019, Strike Force Mercury detectives executed 23 search warrants and charged 17 people. They remain before the courts.
Another 21 women were arrested and charged last Tuesday and Thursday.
A 41-year-old Georges Hall woman was charged with knowingly directing activities of a criminal group, with the other woman arrested last week charged with participating in a criminal group.
They have all been granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday, September 30.
State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said this week’s arrests were a significant milestone for the investigation.
“Investigators have now charged 39 people involved in this syndicate and more arrests are expected,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“Our objective is to completely dismantle the business model which we know is being used by at least 100 other syndicates, with an estimated potential value of the fraud across Sydney at least $750 million a year.”
Anyone with information in relation to professionally facilitated fraud, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information about family day care fraud can also be provided to the Department of Education and Training on 6121 5450 or fraud@education.gov.au.