Detectives have charged a fourteenth person allegedly involved in a $4.7 million business email compromise scam syndicate targeting Australian companies.
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.
As part of ongoing inquiries, officers from Campsie and Cumberland Police Area Commands also commenced investigations into reports of cyber-enabled fraudulent activity.
Cybercrime Squad detectives, together with Campsie and Cumberland Police Area Commands, have so far charged thirteen people over their alleged involvement in the syndicate.
All thirteen remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command arrested a 21-year-old man at Granville Police Station about 8.40am on Friday 26 June 2020.
The Guildford West man was charged with participate in criminal group contribute criminal to activity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal.
Police will allege the man was involved in the email scam syndicate and dealt with proceeds of crime to the value of $151,000.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 18 August 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.
.jpg?sfvrsn=97edde42_5)
