A 33-year-old man has been charged following extensive investigations by Strike Force Sainsbery, established in November 2021 by the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad in collaboration with all Sydney Metropolitan Regions. The strike force’s efforts have resulted in a total of 89 individuals being charged with a staggering 1522 charges since its inception.
The recent arrest took place at approximately 9:30 am on Saturday, 4th November 2023, after a vehicle stop on Dora Street at Morisset. The man was subsequently taken into custody by investigators and charged with 15 counts of causing financial disadvantage through deceptive means, along with an additional charge of obtaining financial advantage through deception.
According to the allegations put forth by the police, the man in question is accused of submitting 16 fraudulent claims to Service NSW under the COVID-19 Micro Business Support Grants program, which resulted in him receiving a substantial sum of $168,000.
Despite the charges, the accused was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 16th November 2023. As the investigations led by Strike Force Sainsbery continue, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of any further fraudulent activities related to COVID-19 financial relief claims.