…..The 3 Behind Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme Face Justice
By Kwedu News
Three individuals have been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for swindling millions from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Australian Tax Office (ATO).
The Australian Federal Police uncovered a staggering haul, including 8 kilograms of gold bullion worth over $600,00 and $600,000 more in hard cash.
The burst also discovered cryptocurrency worth $630,000, luxury vehicles which include a BMW M3, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne all worth over $250,000, and jewelry.
The syndicate used false claims and fake medical reports to defraud the NDIS and ATO.
Five were arrested in April 2021; two men and one woman were recently sentenced to the combined 12 years and also ordered to repay $575,000.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said such inhumane acts are over.
“The days of viewing the NDIS as a government honeypot are well and truly over.
“I don’t think there’s much lower in life than someone who rips off a person with a profound or severe disability, and someone who rips off a taxpayer,” he said
Rebecca Falkingham, the National Disability Insurance Agency CEO, vowed to detect, prevent and efficiently respond to such fraud cases.
Anthony Helmond (from AUSTRAC explained how specialists analyse and follow the money to identify fraud cases whike Jade Hawkins from ATO also warned that if people think they can live lavish lifestyle from illegal gains, it’s only a matter of time before they are caught.
