Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged a solicitor in a multi-million-dollar fraud and money laundering syndicate under Strike Force Myddleton.
In January 2024, detectives attached to State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad – with assistance from the NSW Crime Commission – launched an investigation into a criminal syndicate targeting Sydney automotive financing companies under Strike Force Myddleton.
Strike Force Myddleton initially uncovered the syndicate was allegedly using stolen personal information to apply for loans through various financial companies to purchase luxury 'ghost cars' that did not exist.
Further investigations uncovered the syndicate's reach extended far beyond car financing, allegedly orchestrating large-scale personal, business, and home loan fraud against multiple financial institutions.
Twenty-four people have previously been charged under Strike Force Myddleton and remain before the courts, with the NSW Crime Commission having restrained $95 million in assets to date.
As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives identified a director and principal of a law firm who was allegedly assisting the syndicate.
Police will allege the solicitor used his position within the legal sector to help the group purchase multiple mortgaged properties valued at more than $25 million under the names of various members of the syndicate, and that he also laundered millions of dollars on their behalf.
About 6am yesterday (Tuesday 21 April 2026), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed as search warrant in Punchbowl.
A second search warrant was executed at an office in Sydney's CBD.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with six counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, five counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
He was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday 22 April 2026).
Commander of the Financial Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, said Strike Force Myddleton will continue to focus on the professional facilitators who use their trusted positions to enable organised criminal activity.
"Strike Force Myddleton began by targeting those directly involved in fraudulent car-financing activity, and as the investigation progressed, we identified the individuals sitting at the top of the syndicate.
"To date, we've charged mules, facilitators, and financial professionals – including bankers – who played a role in enabling this criminal network.
"This arrest is the first professional facilitator in a legal capacity charged under this strike force, and it sends a clear message that no role or qualification places anyone above the law.
"Our investigators will continue to target individuals who abuse their professional standing to support criminal networks, and the community can expect further arrests of this nature as inquiries progress."
NSW Crime Commission Executive Director Darren Bennett said the NSWCC continues to work closely with State Crime Command to ensure the ongoing success of Strike Force Myddleton.
"The Commission is drawing on its full range of capabilities to drive further arrests and return criminal proceeds to the people of NSW," Mr Bennett said.
"Yesterday's arrest is another strong result, and we commend the Financial Crime Squad for their work."
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
