Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad have today charged four men as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate allegedly committing a series of complex frauds and deceptions totalling almost $4 million.
Investigators will allege the syndicate was fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain mobile phones - worth over $2.5 million - which were subsequently shipped overseas, primarily to Russia.
During the 18-month investigation, police also uncovered two allegedly fraudulently obtained mortgages and a fraudulently obtained vehicle worth at least $1.36 million.
The quartet was arrested by police today and collectively charged with almost 100 offences, including:
• A 38-year-old Keilor Downs man, who was charged with 37 counts of obtain property by deception, knowingly deal proceeds of crime and deal property suspected proceeds of crime,
• A 33-year-old Taylors Lakes man, who was charged with 37 counts of obtain property by deception, three counts of obtain financial advantage by deception, knowingly deal proceeds of crime and three counts of deal property suspected proceeds of crime,
• A 32-year-old Sydenham man, who was charged with negligently deal proceeds of crime and deal property suspected proceeds of crime, and
• A 69-year-old Melton man, who was charged with 12 counts of obtain property by deception, recklessly deal proceeds of crime and deal property suspected proceeds of crime.
All four were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 8 April.
Anyone with any information on organised crime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
