An eighth person has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation by Cybercrime Squad detectives into an alleged $2.6 million email scam syndicate targeting Australian businesses.
In September 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Belltree to investigate a criminal syndicate targeting businesses across the country through email scams.
Their inquiries revealed that altered invoices had been sent to legitimate businesses for payment through an email scam, before the funds were transferred into personal accounts.
The investigation has resulted in police charging seven people, all of whom remain before the courts.
As part of investigations, Cybercrime Squad detectives, assisted by AUSTRAC, executed a search warrant at business premises on Pitt Street, Sydney, last Thursday (28 May 2020).
Several documents were seized and are undergoing forensic examinations.
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from the Operations Support Group, executed a search warrant at a unit at Mosman just before 7am today (Wednesday 3 June 2020).
During the search officers seized documents, computers and mobile phones.
A 35-year-old man was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with eight counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group.
Police will allege in court that the man was involved in an email scam syndicate and dealt with proceeds of crime valued at more than $560,000.
It will be further alleged that the man laundered the proceeds gained through the email scams by purchasing gold bullion and cryptocurrency.
He was refused bail to appear via video link at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 3 June 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Belltree are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Belltree detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
