Police charge woman over $4.4 million fraudulent business contract

A woman will face court today charged as part of an investigation into an alleged large-scale investment fraud scheme in the state's New England region.

In February 2018, detectives from New England Police District and the State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad established Strike Force Amaranthus to investigate an alleged investment scam involving the sale of an Armidale company's shares.

As part of the investigation, detectives charged a 57-year-old woman in July 2018. She remains before the courts.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 40-year-old woman at a home in Invergowrie on Wednesday (24 April 2019).

Shortly after, a search warrant was executed at the home with investigators locating documents and electronic storage devices.

These items have been seized to undergo forensic examination.

The woman was taken to Armidale Police Station and charged with publish false or misleading material to obtain advantage.

Police will allege in court that the woman assisted the 57-year-old woman in falsifying a contract for the sale of the Armidale business, with the intent of obtaining $4.38 million.

She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Armidale Local Court today (Monday 29 April 2019).

Investigations under Strike Force Amaranthus continue and further arrests are expected.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Amaranthus investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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