Claimed over $1.3m in disaster pay scam
Police uncovered an alleged criminal syndicate which made more than $1.3 million in numerous fraudulent claims for NSW Government support payments, charging three men last week.
Last November, Strike Force Sainsbery was formed to investigate fraudulent applications made against NSW Government financial relief schemes related to the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
An Auburn man, 34, was charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity, possess prohibited drug, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x3), and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (x12), a 30-year-old man was charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x6), and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (x11), and the 48-year-old alleged ringleader was charged with knowingly direct activities of criminal group, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x7), and dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (x14). Police allege the 48-year-old co-ordinated the syndicate, instructing others to submit fraudulent claims using stolen or borrowed identities, and received a majority share of the fraudulently obtained payments.
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said the scale of fraudulent claims made by the syndicate was significant and those involved face serious consequences.
“The opportunistic way this syndicate operated makes their behaviour even more egregious, and they will now face the prospect of languishing in prison for these frauds,” Det Supt Howlett said.