Two people will face court today, charged by Raptor Squad detectives investigating alleged large-scale tax-related fraud and proceeds of crime offences to the value of $26 million.
In June 2023, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad – with assistance from the Tax Practitioners Board – commenced an investigation into reports of fraudulent misconduct by a registered accounting firm.
Following extensive inquiries, about 9.20am yesterday (Tuesday 11 July 2023), strike force detectives attended a home in Silverdale, where they arrested a 36-year-old man.
A short time later, detectives attended a business in Penrith where they arrested a 25-year-old woman.
During subsequent search warrants executed at the properties, officers located electronic devices, hard drives, and documentation relevant to their investigation. They also located a small amount of a substance believed to be cocaine.
The items were seized to undergo further forensic examination.
The pair were taken to St Marys Police Station, where the man was charged with 16 offences including 14 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail to appear in Penrith Local Court today (Wednesday 12 July 2023).
The woman was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime >$5000. She was granted conditional bail to also appear before Penrith Local Court on Thursday 27 July 2023.
Police will allege in court the man defrauded at least eight accounting clients to the value of $26 million in a bid to fund his lavish lifestyle and gambling habit, whilst the woman attempted to conceal the misconduct.
Police will further allege the man had links to Organised Criminal Networks (OCN).
Investigations continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 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.
