Cybercrime Squad detectives have laid an additional 51 charges against a man at court today, following an investigation into an alleged $13.5 million fraud targeting individuals and companies across Australia.
The NSW Police Force's Cybercrime Squad, together with South Australia Police (SAPOL), established Strike Force Cedrilla to investigate modified payroll data and fraudulent bank accounts across NSW and South Australia.
Investigations identified that personal identification information had been acquired and used to modify payroll data, superannuation details and credit card records of several individuals and companies across the country.
Further investigations revealed that the alleged fraudulent activities totalling more than $11 million, had been carried out by an individual based in South Australia from early 2019, and then in NSW from August 2019.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 31-year-old Erskineville man at Green Square in February this year. He was charged with 24 offences and remains before the courts.
SAPOL investigators also arrested a 32-year-old man and 28-year-old woman at a home in Seaton, South Australia. The pair were charged and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, Cybercrime Squad detectives have laid an additional 51 offences against the Erskineville man – now aged 32 – at Central Local Court today (Thursday 28 May 2020).
The charges include;
- Deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x29)
- Knowingly deal with proceeds of crime (x13)
- Unauthorised function with intent to commit serious indictable offence (x7)
- Possess data with intent to commit computer offence
- Possess prohibited drug
Police will allege in court that the man obtained a further $2.5 million through coordinated identify theft and fraudulent activities between 2016 and 2020.
The man is now facing a total of 75 charges relating to an alleged $13.5 million fraud.
He is next due to appear at Central Local Court on Thursday 23 July 2020.
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information in relation to technology-enabled crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
