A 29-year-old Sydney man has been charged for allegedly defrauding the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) of more than $100,000.
The Villawood man was arrested yesterday (21 September 2021) following an investigation by the NDIS Fraud Taskforce, a multi-agency partnership between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the Australian Federal Police and Services Australia.
The 29-year-old man came to the attention of the NDIA in the past few weeks after he was linked to a suspected fraudulent provider.
A search warrant was executed on the man and his vehicle in Carramar, where investigators seized several electronic items and documents. A second search warrant was executed at the man’s home and additional electronic items were seized. The seized items will be subject to forensic examination and further charges have not been ruled out.
Police will allege the man claimed for services that had not been provided to the value of more than $123,000.
The man was charged with obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is ten years imprisonment.
He was bailed to appear before Fairfield Local Court on 20 October 2021.
AFP Commander Crime Geoffrey Turner said the AFP and its partners remained committed to stamping out fraud against this critical Commonwealth support scheme.
“Fraud against the NDIS hurts the most vulnerable in our community and deprives them of the help and support they deserve.” Commander Turner said.
“We have seen the many ways people will try to commit fraud and hide their tracks but our officers are committed to being one step ahead, and bringing them to account to ensure NDIS funds reach those people the scheme is designed to help.”
NDIA Chief Risk Officer, Melissa Woodburn said today’s arrest is another example of a zero tolerance approach to fraud against the NDIS.
“Participants, families and carers should have full confidence that the NDIA, with the NDIS Taskforce, is preventing, detecting, and responding to this type of criminal behaviour,” Ms Woodburn said.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said the arrest should serve as a warning to anyone looking to commit fraud.
“Our strong relationship with our AFP and NDIA partners means we’re able to quickly find, investigate and disrupt fraud,” Mr Jongen said.
“We have a responsibility to stop people taking advantage of payments that support those who are genuinely in need.”
