Strike Force Sainsbery, which was established to investigate alleged fraudulent applications made against NSW Government financial relief schemes related to the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters, uncovered an alleged criminal syndicate involved in numerous fraudulent claims for support payments, and last week charged three men aged 48, 34 and 30.
Early last Thursday morning police raided homes at Auburn, Chester Hill and Carramar and allegedly seized cash, electronic devices and documentation, which will undergo further forensic examination.
Police allege the 48-year-old from Chester Hill co-ordinated the syndicate, instructed others to submit fraudulent claims using stolen or borrowed identities, and received a majority share of the fraudulently obtained payments.
He 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).
The 34-year-old man 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), and the 30-year-old man was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x6), and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (x11).
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said the scale of fraudulent claims made by the syndicate is 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.
“This should serve as a lesson to anyone who has submitted or is thinking of lodging a fraudulent disaster payment claim: you are easily detectable, and will be held accountable.”