James Cooper: Man in alleged Covid, bushfire fraud

A western Sydney man has been charged over alleged fraudulent payment applications to the value of $550k intended for victims of bushfires and Covid.

A man has faced court over allegations he fraudulently applied for $550,000 of Covid and bushfire relief funds.

Officers arrested 36-year-old James Casey Cooper at Pellatt Place, Emu Plains on Monday morning following an investigation launched earlier this year.

He was charged early on Monday afternoon with 28 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (attempt), and 13 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception (actual).

Supplied Editorial Man charged over alleged bushfire and COVID-19 relief fraud worth $550,000

Police allege the man targeted charities including Red Cross, Vinnies and The Salvation Army as well as the NSW Government disaster relief payments.

They claim a number of fraudulent payment applications were lodged worth more than $550,000 – with $85,500 of the applications successful.

Some of the payments allegedly applied for were intended for victims of the bushfires. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Detective Inspector Jason Pietruszka, speaking at a press conference, said the alleged forged documents were professional enough looking to have fooled some of the organisation.

“I wouldn’t say they were amateur but they were good enough at times to obtain funds,” he said.

The man faces 41 charges.

Speaking at a media conference, he did not reveal alleged details as to whether the man still has the money or if it has been spent.

“Those inquiries will continue throughout various banking organisations,” he said. “At this point in time, detectives are speaking with the individual at St Marys Police Station. After our conversation finishes, he will be charged with fraud.

Detective Inspector Jason Pietruszka spoke to media on Monday morning

“He will be put before court and will be dealt with swiftly.”

In Penrith Local Court on Monday afternoon it was heard the Cranebrook man had been on bail at the time of the alleged offences.

Cooper’s lawyer admitted there may have been an overlap but said his client denied that was the case.

His lawyer called for him to be bailed so he can continue with a drug program he’s currently on.
“He informs me he is clean and is doing really well compared to before he commenced the program,” his lawyer told the court. “The program is working very well for him.”

However, police opposed bail and said he had been before court before for similar offences of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage.

“That in combination with the likelihood of custodial sentence, prosecution stands against bail,” the police prosecutor said.

Magistrate Geoffrey Hiatt said the prosecution had a strong case, taking into account Cooper’s history of offences, dating back to 2002, and that he was on conditional release when these alleged offences occurred.

Magistrate Hiatt refused bail and ordered he return before the Penrith Local Court in mid-November.