New South Wales Detectives have charged a 42-year-old Greenacre man with 91 counts of alleged actual and attempted relief grant fraud as part of ongoing investigations by Strike Force Sainsbery.
Strike Force Sainsbery, established in November 2021, investigated fraudulent applications made against NSW Government financial-relief schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad and all Sydney Metropolitan Regions, with the assistance of Service NSW Fraud Response Unit uncovered a significant number of alleged fraudulent applications made against NSW Government grant schemes which included –
- The 2021 COVID-19 micro-business grant
- Small business fees and charges rebate
- JobSaver payment
- Test and Isolate support payment
- Rental support payment
- Mouse control support program
- Export assistance grant, and
- Fee waivers and tax assistance schemes.
As a result of extensive investigations, a 42-year-old Greenacre man was charged on 4 May 2022 with 91 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The man has been issued a Court Attendance Notice and was refused bail.
He is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 6 July 2022, where police will allege that the man submitted fraudulent applications for numerous NSW Government grants and payments – totalling $246,450 – using falsified information and documentation.
Police will further allege the man submitted additional fraudulent applications – totalling $590,550 – against schemes that were not approved or paid.
Investigations by Strike Force Sainsbery are ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone with information or who may be able to assist with their inquiries to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
