A man will face court today, charged by Financial Crimes Squad detectives following an investigation into 140 alleged financial fraud related offences under Strike Force Meckiff.
Strike Force Meckiff was established by State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad to investigate alleged fraud offences by a Sydney-based finance company offering finance through approved merchants.
Between April and June 2023, police will allege the company submitted fraudulent finance applications on behalf of 79 customers for the purchase of solar panels to the value of $747,308 – without the customer's knowledge.
Following extensive inquiries, about 9.30am on Thursday 28 September 2023, strike force detectives – with assistance from the North-West Metropolitan Regional Enforcement Squad – executed a search warrant in Marsden Park, where they arrested a 43-year-old man.
During a search of the address, officers located and seized electronics and documentation relevant to their investigation.
The items seized will undergo further forensic examination.
The man was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with 140 offences including knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence and dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear in Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 18 October 2023.
Commander of the Financial Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, said everyone has a role to play in putting an end to this type of financial fraud.
"While we do encourage people to make sure they're taking steps to protect their identities online, we also want to urge companies who provide financial services to ensure they're doing their due diligence in confirming the legitimacy of their customers," Det Supt Arbinja said.
"If you believe your identity has been exploited or compromised online for the purpose of illegitimate finance applications, you should contact the police immediately.
"People are also reminded there are credit-monitoring services available, who will provide you an immediate alert if your identity is used in any future applications."
