Detectives have charged a man over an alleged family day care fraud operating independently of an alleged syndicate in south west Sydney.
In July 2018, detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad and Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Mercury to investigate the coordinated fraudulent activities targeting family day care operations.
The strike force has also been assisted by the Australian Government Department of Education, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the NSW Department of Education and NSW Crime Commission.
In May 2019, Strike Force Mercury detectives executed 23 search warrants and charged 17 people.
As part of further inquiries, 22 people were charged in September 2019 and a further 11 women were charged in November 2019. They all remain before the courts.
During a search warrant executed at a home in South Granville on Wednesday 8 May 2019, police found $35,000 cash inside a handbag.
A further investigation commenced, where police will allege in court that the South Granville home was listed as the address by two educators working for separate family day care operators.
Police will allege in court that the couple fraudulently claimed separate Commonwealth payments under the Child Care Subsidy schemes.
A 41-year-old woman has previously been charged.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 33-year-old man at a South Granville home about 6.30am today (Wednesday 18 March 2020).
He was taken to Granville Police Station and charged with two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The man has been granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday 14 April 2020.
Strike Force Mercury has charged a total of 50 people so far. Joint investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information in relation to professionally facilitated fraud is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information about family day care fraud can also be provided to the Department of Education on
