A man will face court today following a joint investigation into an alleged $11 million fraud after modified payroll data and fraudulent bank accounts were uncovered across Australia by Cybercrime Squad detectives.
The NSW Police Force’s Cybercrime Squad, together with South Australia Police (SAPOL), established Strike Force Cedrilla to investigate modified payroll data and fraudulent bank accounts across NSW and South Australia.
Extensive inquiries have been conducted by detectives from SAPOL – who established Operation Captcha – and NSW Police into offences allegedly committed in both jurisdictions and across Australia.
Investigations identified that personal identification information had been acquired and used to modify payroll data, superannuation details and credit card records of several individuals across the country.
Further investigations revealed that the alleged fraudulent activities had been carried out by an individual based in South Australia from early 2019, and then in NSW from August 2019.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 31-year-old man at a library in Green Square about 11am yesterday (Wednesday 5 February 2020).
Officers seized the man’s laptop and mobile phone, which will undergo extensive forensic examination.
A short time later, officers executed two search warrants at homes in Newtown and Erskineville.
During the searches, police seized mobiles phones, computers, electronic equipment, personal identification documentation, prohibited drugs, including liquid steroids; and cryptocurrency.
The man was taken to Newtown Police Station and was charged with 24 offences including;
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x9)
- Deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence (x12)
- Possess identity info to commit etc indictable offence
- Use false document to obtain financial advantage (x2)
Police will allege in court that the man obtained more than $11 million through coordinated identify theft and the establishment of fraudulent accounts.
He was refused bail to appear at Newtown Local Court today (Thursday 6 February 2020).
A short time later, officers from the South Australia Police Cybercrime Investigation Section, executed two search warrants at homes in the Adelaide metropolitan area.
A 32-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were arrested at a home in Seaton in relation to the joint investigation.
NSW Police Force Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, said officers have conducted a thorough and complex investigation into this calculated and sophisticated fraud.
“Detectives from NSW and South Australia have been working tirelessly to disrupt the criminal activities of this individual,” Det Supt Craft said.
“Cybercrime presents a unique challenge for law enforcement, and the only way we can tackle these national issues, is through the collaboration of our law enforcement and industry partners.
“This investigation is an excellent example of police working together to ensure that crimes which are committed across our state and territory borders will be thoroughly investigated.
“During the course of this investigation, more than 80 individual personal and financial profiles have been identified as being obtained for the purpose of committing fraud.”
Det Supt Craft added that it was a timely reminder for individuals and businesses to have strong cyber security measures in place.
“Identity information is a valuable commodity on the black market and dark web, and anyone who stores this data needs to ensure it is protected,” Det Supt Craft said.
“The investigation also highlights that by combining the tools, expertise, and investigative capability of law enforcement experts with industry experts and professionals, we can have a real and lasting impact on cybercrime.
“Finally, anyone who believes their identity has been compromised online is urged to contact their financial institution and police.”
Victims of identity theft can contact IDCARE for assistance to reduce the harm experienced from the compromise and misuse of identity information: https://www.idcare.org.
Investigations under Strike Force Cedrilla are continuing, which include further potential victims across Australia. Further charges are expected to be laid.
Anyone with information in relation to technology-enabled crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
