Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have arrested six people yesterday as part of an investigation into gang members and associates linked to a series of financial deceptions involving government agencies.
The warrants were executed from 7am on Tuesday, 31 May by a number of units including Gang Crime Squad, Echo Taskforce, North West Metro Region, Eastern Region Crime Squad and Southern Metro Regional Crime Team.
Investigators have also worked in collaboration with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Search warrants were executed at residential properties in Truganina, St Kilda, Doncaster East, Sunshine West, Officer, Roxburgh Park, Reservoir, Tarneit, Kings Park and Deer Park.
Four men and two women were arrested, including:
• A 22-year-old Truganina woman; ($44,341)
• A 22-year-old Sunshine West man; ($21,387)
• A 21-year-old Officer man; ($45,600)
• A 19-year-old Roxburgh Park man; ($139,877)
• A 29-year-old Tarneit woman; and ($135,324)
• A 24-year-old Deer Park man. ($31,500)
All were interviewed in relation to the offences of obtain property by deception and possess proceeds of crime, and will be charged on summons.
It’s believed the six arrested were involved in almost $500,000 worth of fraudulent payments.
Police also seized a number of items from the addresses, including electronic devices and paperwork.
The Gang Crime Squad investigation commenced in February 2022 after police located a number of suspicious financial transactions during a separate investigation.
Police allege those arrested have been involved in a number of large-scale deceptions involving government agencies where fraudulent payments have subsequently been received after those involved provided false details.
The ATO has supported today’s action as part of its ongoing Operation Protego.
Operation Protego is investigating a significant fraud involving participants inventing fake businesses to claim false refunds.
The investigation remains ongoing and police will continue to work in collaboration with the ATO.
Anyone with information about offences or gang activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Commander Mick Frewen, Crime Command:
“This operation is about targeting the criminality of street gang members and their associates at every level and in every way possible.
“These are organised crime groups who commit serious violent offences, inflicting untold damage upon victims and the wider community.
“These financial deceptions are not victimless crimes – they essentially illegally take money from hard working and honest members of the community.
“They also fund these groups to undertake further serious offending.
“We have seen time and time again that one of the best ways to disrupt these groups is to target their funding, which in this case has been fraudulently obtained.
“An operation like this sends a strong message that regardless of what sphere of criminality you are involved in, you will be targeted.
“We want to make Victoria as hostile an environment as possible for criminal groups, including street gangs, and we will look for any and every opportunity to do so.”
Quotes attributable to ATO Deputy Commissioner Will Day:
“Yesterday’s action is a warning for the community not to engage in financial crime or fraud.
“In addition to supporting today’s action, the ATO, through its Operation Protego, is investigating around $850 million in potentially fraudulent payments made to around 40,000 individuals.
“The people who have participated in this GST fraud are not anonymous. We know who you are and we are taking action.
“Our message for anyone who has participated is that we might be knocking on your door next.
“We urge anyone who has participated to come forward now before we take tougher action.
