A former Parramatta Leagues Club executive will appear at court next month after being charged with fraud, NSW Police say.
Strike Force Rhodium was established in May 2016 by the State Crime Command’s Fraud and Cybercrime Squad to investigate allegations of fraud committed against Parramatta Leagues Club members.
The allegations under investigation relate to finance being derived by the NRL club through false or inflated invoices to suppliers paid by the leagues club.
Following extensive inquiries, Strike Force Rhodium detectives charged a 41-year-old man at Day Street Police Station yesterday.
He was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for the charges of fraud and make false statement with intent to commit fraud, and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Friday 19 May 2017.
Fraud and Cybercrime Squad Coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Craft, praised the meticulous work of Strike Force Rhodium investigators.
"We have gathered a large amount of information – more than 500,000 pieces of documentation and emails – which we are continuing to examine," Det Ch Insp Craft said.
"It has been a tedious process so far, but our investigation is gathering momentum.
"As our inquiries continue, we are focusing on the suspected use of false invoices to disguise payments to players. It doesn’t appear to have been an isolated incident or the actions of just one individual.
"This is the second person we have charged and we anticipate more in the not too distant future.
"We believe there are a number of people who have knowledge of fraudulent activity, as well as those who are suspected or alleged to be involved, and we urge them to get in touch with us sooner rather than later," Det Ch Insp Craft said.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Rhodium investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
