Cybercrime Squad detectives charge Sydney man for allegedly scamming $2 million from hospital
Thursday, 07 November 2024 10:35:43 AM
A man will face a Sydney court today charged by Cybercrime Squad detectives for his alleged role in a scam involving $2 million from a hospital in Sydney's south west.
In September 2024, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Millbon to investigate reports of alleged business email compromise (BEC) fraud of a hospital which resulted in the theft of $2 million through multiple transactions.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Rudelle Crescent, Yagoona, yesterday (Wednesday 6 November 2024).
During the search, detectives located and seized multiple electronic devices.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Bankstown Police Station.
He was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime more than $5,000.
The man was refused bail to appear before Bankstown Local Court today (Thursday 7 November 2024).
Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, said detectives are continuing to see an increase in email fraud targeting large businesses across NSW. Businesses need to implement accounting practices to prevent business email compromises.
“I urge all Australians to be cautious online and to stop and think about documents they receive. These criminals are targeting all members of the community, particularly businesses and are using more elaborate and sophisticated ways to scam the general public,” Det Supt Craft said.
“I would encourage victims to report a discrepancy immediately to their bank and the police. Law Enforcement in Australia has enjoyed considerable success working with financial institutions to have money returned to victims in these circumstances. The success rate of recovering funds deceases with time. It is incredibly frustrating to deal with these scams and to constantly stay alert online, and while my detectives are continuing to pursue and arrest these scammers, I continue to urge all Australians to stay vigilant.
“If you feel something isn’t right, there is a good chance it isn’t. Please notify police if you think you have been scammed or are a target of a scam so we can prevent more members of the public from falling victim to these crimes.”
Investigations under Strike Force Millbon continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.