NSW Police have made five further arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged $4.7 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.
So far during the investigation, eight people have been charged and remain before the courts.
As part of ongoing investigations, Cybercrime Squad detectives, together with officers from Campsie and Cumberland Police Area Commands, executed three search warrants at homes at Chester Hill, Schofields and Roselands from 8am today (Thursday 25 June 2020).
Investigators were also assisted throughout the operation by Quakers Hills Police Area Command and Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad.
During the searches, detectives seized mobile phones, computers, electronic storage devices and documentation.
All items seized will undergo forensic examination.
A 21-year-old man was arrested at Chester Hill and taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged with participate in criminal group contribute to criminal activity, seven counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the man was involved in the scam syndicate and dealt with proceeds of crime to the value of more than $1.8 million.
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 25 June 2020).
A 36-year-old man was arrested at Liverpool and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with participate in criminal group contribute to criminal activity and two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the man was involved in the scam syndicate and dealt with proceeds of crime to the value of more than $338,000.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today.
Two men – aged 19 and 21 – were arrested at the Roselands home and taken to Liverpool Police Station.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at Schofields and taken to Riverstone Police Station.
All three men remain in custody and charges are expected later today.
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.
