A man has been charged as part of investigations into a coordinated fraud syndicate operating on the Central Coast.
In May, detectives from the State Crime Command's Financial Crime Squad and Brisbane Water Police District established Strike Force Forth to investigate the acquisition and use of fraudulent credit cards across the Central Coast.
As part of the investigation, detectives were also conducting inquiries into a break-in at a car dealership at Kariong on 24 March 2019, which was suspected to be linked to the fraud syndicate.
During the break-in, three Holden Commodores were stolen by three unknown persons.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 45-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Woy Woy about 8am today (Tuesday 27 August 2019).
During a subsequent search of the man's vehicle, police located and seized $10,000 cash.
Shortly after the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at a nearby home, where they seized a further $52,105 cash.
The man was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with 22 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception and dealing in proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the man was involved in the fraudulent application for 22 credit cards, which were subsequently used to purchase goods and cash advances totalling more than $450,000 between July 2018 and April 2019.
He has been refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 28 August 2019).
Investigations are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Forth detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
