Police on the way to crime scene arrest two men over major mail fraud and identity theft

A FRAUD syndicate that allegedly stole hundreds of identities and credit cards, using them to buy thousands of dollars of luxury items, was busted when police got a lucky break early this morning.

A FRAUD syndicate that allegedly stole hundreds of identities and credit cards, using them to buy thousands of dollars of luxury items, was busted when police got a lucky break early this morning.

Officers from Mount Druitt police were on their way to a crime scene in Plumpton, in Sydney’s west, at 3.15am when they spotted a suspect’s car.

They pulled over the dark blue SUV on Rooty Hill Rd North and a search uncovered numerous items allegedly connected to a major mail fraud and identity theft operation that has operated in the area for some time.

Officers were on the way to a crime scene when they spotted the suspect’s car. They pulled both men out of the car. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Both men have been charged. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

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The items included luxury watches, laptops, more than 300 stolen credit cards, personal identification documents, 500 letters, several letterbox keys and clothing, police claim.

The 25-year-old driver and his male passenger, 24, were seen sitting on the ground in handcuffs, smoking cigarettes, while plain clothed officers searched their vehicle.

They were arrested at the scene and taken to Riverstone police station where they were charged.

A number of items were seized including luxury watches, stolen credit cards, 500 letters and clothing. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Plain clothed police searched the car. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

The items were laid out across the road. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Detective Senior Constable Anthony Colman said: “We’ve known about these guys for a while. We’re talking about thousands of victims here.”

Police allege the fraud syndicate was duping Western Sydney residents into giving their details over the phone by posing as legitimate businesses. They would then use these details to raid bank accounts and commit identity theft.

The driver was charged with 11 counts each of identity fraud and dishonestly obtaining property by deception. He was refused bail and was due to reappear in Parramatta Bail Court today.

Both the men were on police radar prior to the arrest. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

The 24-year-old man was charged with possessing identity information to commit an indictable offence. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Mt Druitt Local Court in September.

Police will allege the credit cards were used to buy items including food, clothing, moisturiser and jewellery, across the Mt Druitt, Plumpton and Doonside areas.