Three men have been charged by police after allegedly claiming more than $1.3m in fraudulent pandemic payments from the NSW government.
Strike Force Sainsbery, which was established to investigate fraudulent applications made against the state government’s financial relief schemes, uncovered an alleged criminal syndicate as part of their investigations.
On Thursday morning, police executed three search warrants at homes in the Sydney suburbs of Auburn, Chester Hill and Carramar.
Three men were arrested, while police also seized cash, electronic devices, and documentation.
A 48-year-old man, who police will allege co-ordinated the syndicate by instructing others to submit fraudulent claims and received a majority share of the payments, has been charged with 22 offences.
They include knowingly direct activities of criminal group, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x7), and dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (x14).
A 34-year-old man was charged with 17 offences, including participate 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 18 offences, including participaxjmtzywte criminal group contribute criminal activity, deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x6), and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (x11).
It will be alleged the duo sourced personal identity information and bank details for the purpose of submitting fraudulent claims against the Covid-19 microbusiness grant and the small business fees and charges rebate.
Financial crimes squad commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett said the arrests should serve as a lesson to other fraudsters.
“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,” she said.
Service NSW executive director of risk, strategy and performance Catherine Ellis also said they would continue to stop fraud.
“It is incredibly disappointing that deliberate, co-ordinated fraudsters have undermined the systems put in place to support the businesses of NSW in one of the most challenging times we have faced,” she said.
All three men were refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Friday.
