Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a second woman as part of investigations into alleged fraudulent claims of government financial relief grants.
In December 2021, a 23-year-old man was charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in relation to alleged fraudulent applications made against Government financial relief schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, estimated to be more than $170,000.
In October 2022, detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad commenced a further investigation under Strike Force Malton, following allegations the man had received data from a NSW Government employee.
During the course of the investigation, detectives arrested a 22-year-old woman in November 2022. She was charged and remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators attended a home in Punchbowl and arrested a 23-year-old woman about 8am today (Thursday 11 May 2023).
She was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where she was charged with deal with proceeds of indictable crime – money more than $50,000.
Police will allege in court that the woman, who is known to the man, received money from the fraudulent claims and used it to make mortgage payments, and clothing.
The woman was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday 1 June 2023.
Investigations under Strike Force Malton are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Malton investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
