Cybercrime Squad detectives charge man for allegedly scamming $2 million from NSW Government department
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 11:58:46 AM
A man will face court today charged by Cybercrime Squad detectives for his alleged role in scamming the NSW Government of $2 million
In September 2024, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Millbon to investigate alleged business email compromise (BEC) fraud.
As part of this investigation, detectives identified that a NSW Government department had transferred $2.1 million to who they thought was a legitimate financial institution.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order & Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a granny flat in Chester Hill yesterday (Monday 11 November 2024).
During the search, detectives located and seized multiple electronic devices.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime >$5000 and participate in a criminal group.
The man was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court today (Tuesday 12 November 2024).
Police will allege in court the man used his bank account to help scammers move the $2.1 million into other accounts.
Commander of State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said even big businesses and government organisations can fall victim to BEC fraud.
“A business email compromise is where the scammer uses what looks like an official email to trick someone within an organisation into sending money on behalf of the company,” Det Supt Craft said.
“But it’s important to remember that the NSW Police Force works closely with banks and every electronic transaction in Australia leaves a permanent record, so we can act quickly when suspicious activity is identified.
“Our success in targeting these types of criminals is thanks to the co-operation that exists within the Joint Policing Cybercrime Co-ordination Centre (JPC3) and due to the quick actions all funds were recovered.”
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.