Another man has been charged following an investigation into alleged fraud and forgery in the construction industry.
In June 2018, the Organised Crime Squad’s Money Laundering Unit commenced a joint investigation with the NSW Crime Commission under Strike Force Petrie following reports of the alleged issuance of fraudulent trade qualification certificates and money laundering.
Strike force investigators charged eight men and a woman over their alleged roles in the syndicate last year.
All nine people remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives arrested a 25-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Villawood before executing a search warrant at a nearby home about 6.10am today (Tuesday 16 April 2019).
Officers located documentation relevant to the investigation, a small amount of prohibited drug, two electronic stun devices, and $6000 cash. The items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
The man was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with use false document to influence exercise of public duty, possess false document to influence exercise public duty, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, and two counts of possess prohibited drug.
Police will allege in court the man purchased forged documents for a fee to obtain qualifications without having to complete compulsory theory and practical assessments.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 8 May 2019.
Investigations under Strike Force Petrie are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Petrie investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
