Former Lensink adviser Adam Jones faces charges over $13.5m fraud case
A man who once worked as a staffer for the Liberal Party in SA has been charged with involvement in an alleged $13.5m fraud targeting everyday Aussies and businesses.
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A former staffer to Liberal Party MLC Michelle Lensink faces charges in NSW over his alleged involvement in a $13.5 million identity theft operation.
Prosecutors today added 51 charges against Adam Jones to an initial 24 laid when he as was arrested in February.
The charges include that he dealt with identity information to commit indictable offences, knowingly dealt with proceeds of crime, possessed data with intent to commit computer offences and possessed a prohibited drug.
Prosecutors say the alleged fraudulent activities were carried out by an individual based in South Australia from early 2019, and then in NSW from August 2019.
Back in 2012, Jones worked for Ms Lensink while she was in Opposition.
He resigned suddenly when she conforonted him over an issue.
“The staff member has tendered their resignation effective immediately,” she said at the time.
The NSW Police Force Cybercrime Squad, together with South Australia Police established Strike Force Cedrilla to investigate alleged modified payroll data and allegedly fraudulent bank accounts across NSW and South Australia.
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Police allege Jones, 32 targeted individuals and companies across Australia.
Jones was arrested in February and officers seized his laptop and mobile phone.
Homes in Newtown and Erskineville were also searched and police seized mobiles phones, computers, electronic equipment, personal identification documentation, prohibited drugs, including liquid steroids; and cryptocurrency.
Police will allege that Jones obtained the millions of dollars through co-ordinated identify theft and the establishment of fraudulent accounts.
SAPOL investigators have also arrested a 32-year-old man and 28-year-old woman at a home in Seaton, South Australia. The pair have been charged and remain before the courts.
Jones is next due to appear at Central Local Court in Sydney on July 23.