COVID-19 fraud: Man arrested after allegedly defrauding $60k through 500 temporary isolation payments
A man has been arrested after allegedly rorting $60,000 from 500 fraudulent COVID-19 temporary isolation payments.
Detectives from the financial crime squad, with assistance from the Darebin crime investigation unit, executed a search warrant at a Braybrook residence, leading to the arrest of the 41-year-old man.
A police spokesperson said: “It will be alleged that over 500 fraudulent COVID-19 grant applications were successfully submitted under a variety of false names worth almost $60,000 between 2020-2021.”
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.During the search of the Victorian home, police seized a range of equipment and documents, including a card printing machine, a card embossing machine, blank Victorian driver’s licence cards, false identification documents, mobile phone signal jammers, and multiple electronic devices.
It is alleged that these were used to facilitate the submission of fraudulent COVID-19 grant applications between 2020 and 2021 under various false identities.
The man is expected to face numerous charges related to deception and fraudulent document offences.
An investigation into the fraudulent activities is ongoing.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding fraudulent activity to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
