A teenage boy has been charged as investigations continue into an alleged fraud syndicate targeting people purchasing mobile phones through south west Sydney via an online marketplace.
In May 2020, detectives from Fairfield City and Liverpool City Police Area Command’s established Strike Force Brosy to investigate the sale of imitation mobile phones throughout the local area.
Following inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a house in Fairfield on Friday 17 July 2020. A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the house and taken to Fairfield Police Station.
During the search, police seized over $7,000 cash, electronic devices and designer clothing. The items will undergo forensic examination.
The teenager was charged with five counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception (accessory before the fact to an offence), knowingly direct activities of criminal group, knowingly derive material benefit from criminal group and sell/possess/import goods with false trademarks.
Police will allege in court that the teenager advertised mobile phones for sale on the marketplace of a social media website under an illegitimate profile. He would then meet buyers and exchange the goods for money, before fleeing the scene prior to the buyer noticing the mobile phone was imitation.
It will be further alleged the mobile phones were presented in packaging and with a receipt, that both looked authentic.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court today (Monday 10 August 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Brosy remain ongoing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
