Major Fraud Investigation At Tully

Detectives from Tully Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged a 50-year-old Burdell woman following a year-long investigation into alleged fraud offences.

It is alleged between 2017 and 2023, the woman misappropriated funds in excess of $2.5 million whilst working as an office manager at a Tully business.

A criminal investigation was launched in June 2023 after Queensland Police received a complaint from the business owner, upon identification of suspicious financial activity.

Officers executed search warrants at several properties and businesses in Tully and seized electronic equipment and financial documents.

The woman was charged with 95 counts of stealing by clerks and servants, 13 counts of computer hacking and misuse cause detriment/damage/gain benefit less than $5000 to commit indictable offence, seven counts of stealing by directors or officers of companies, two counts each of fraud dishonestly cause detriment by director/member of governing body value of at least $100,000, one count each of fraud dishonesty cause detriment value of at least $100,000, fraud dishonestly caused detriment by employee value of at least $100,000, and stealing by directors or officers of companies.

She is due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on August 12.

Officer in charge of the Tully CIB Detective Sergeant Stu Jones said the nature of the alleged offending was of serious concern to police.

"This complex and protracted investigation highlights that the Queensland Police Service takes this offending seriously, and we will hold those who breach positions of trust to account," Detective Sergeant Jones said.

"Investigations of this nature are complex, and this outcome shows the commitment, dedication, and skills of our detectives to pursue and target professional facilitators to disrupt serious crimes.

"We are committed to protecting our community and supporting victims and urge anyone who notices suspicious financial activity to report it to Policelink."