Bushfire Fraud
Several people have been arrested and charged following an investigation into bushfires grant fraud by the Criminal Groups Squad
State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Fireant In August this year to investigate reports that members and associates of the Rebels OMCG were allegedly involved in obtaining unlawful grant money through a NSW Government grant scheme.
In a two-day operation (Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10) detectives arrested nine people with links to outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) after executing search warrants at Box Hill, North Richmond, Sackville, Wilberforce, Windsor, Colebee, Hill Top, Lalor Park, Mittagong, Marrickville and Westmead. Strike Force Raptor were assisted throughout the operation by the North West Region Operations Support Group (OSG) and the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS).
During the searches, officers seized documentation, mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops and electronic storage devices.
Investigators also seized cash, prescription medication and prohibited drugs including ecstasy, cannabis, methylamphetamine (ice) and steroids.
All items seized throughout the investigation will undergo further forensic examination.
During the two-day operation, nine people – six men and three women – were arrested. They include:
• A 30-year-old man arrested at Sackville charged with 10 counts of publish false misleading material to obtain advantage, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic).
• A 32-year-old man arrested at Box Hill charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal and three counts of possess prohibited drug.
• A 29-year-old man arrested at a home in Wilberforce charged with three counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, two counts of publish false misleading material to obtain advantage and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal.
• A 26-year-old woman from South Windsor was arrested at Windsor Police Station charged with publish false misleading material to obtain advantage and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal.
• A 25-year-old North Richmond man was issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal and publish false misleading material to obtain advantage.
Police will allege in court that a total of $700,000 in claims were made by the group through a NSW Government grant scheme, that resulted in grants being obtained to the value of $113,000.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Rob Critchlow, said the crimes that have allegedly taken place are particularly heinous given the devastation suffered during last year’s fire season. The grants were to help businesses affected by the bushfires.
Investigations under Strike Force Fireant are continuing.
