Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged two additional people for their alleged roles in sending out more than 300 million fraudulent text messages through an SMS phishing scam targeting vulnerable Australians.
In July 2024, State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad – with assistance from the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) and other state law enforcement agencies – participated in a National Day of Action to disrupt cyber criminals across Australia under Strike Force Kanbi.
As a result of the National Day of Action, NSW Cybercrime Squad detectives located and seized 26 SIM boxes, thousands of mobile SIM cards, over 500 mobile phones and gift cards, $166,000 in cash and two luxury vehicles valued at $330,000.
Two men, aged 23 and 25, were arrested in Sydney and Burwood and charged for their alleged roles in the phishing scams and remain before the courts.
The 25-year-old man is due to reappear before Burwood Local Court today (Thursday 8 August 2024), where he will be charged with three additional charges including knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, using a telecommunications network with intention to commit a serious offence and dishonestly obtain property by deception.
Following further investigations, strike force detectives attended a Burwood home today and arrested a 46-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman before taking them Burwood Police Station.
They were both charged with deal with identity info to commit indictable offence and dishonesty obtain property by deception.
The 46-year-old received a further charge of recklessly deal with proceeds of crime more than $5000 and the 41-year-old was further charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and using a telecommunication network with intention to commit a serious offence.
They were both refused bail to appear before Burwood Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Kanbi continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
