Six charged in $3m fraud operation in Sydney’s southwest

Police allege they have busted a major fraud syndicate which accessed a corporate email account and defrauded customers, partners and staff.

A sixth “money mule” has been charged over a major multimillion-dollar fraud operation in southwest Sydney. 

Joseph Malta, 44, appeared before Bankstown Local Court on Thursday following his arrest on June 13 when police searched a Greenacre home and uncovered multiple phones other electronic devices and prohibited drugs.

Police allege a criminal syndicate fraudulently obtained $3m by accessing a corporate email account and defrauding customers, partners and staff. 

The group then allegedly laundered the money by purchasing untraceable goods such as gold bullion and jewellery.

Joseph Malta outside Bankstown Local Court.

Malta was taken to Bankstown Hospital for precautionary reasons before being taken to Bankstown police station where he was charged with dealing with proceeds of crime, participating in a criminal group and drug possession.

Malta’s lawyer Marcus Bowers requested for a two-week adjournment for his client to obtain legal advice. The registrar granted the adjournment for July 18.

Outside court, Malta remained silent and dodged questions from the media regarding his alleged offences.

Strike force detectives have charged five people for their alleged roles in the fraud. All five remain before the courts.

Malta during his arrest over an alleged role in fraud syndicate. Picture: NSW Police

He was arrested at Greenacre. Picture: NSW Police

Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft urged the public to remain vigilant with their online safety. 

“A lot of cyber criminals take advantage of vulnerable Australians who aren’t familiar with online safety,” he said. 

“Activating two-factor authentication on as many accounts and systems as possible may be the difference between becoming a victim of a scam and preventing one.

During the search detectives seized multiple phones, other electronic devices and prohibited drugs. Picture: NSW Police

“All businesses should strive to educate their staff on what to look for in order to avoid BEC scams, this means rigorously verifying payment requests and challenging changes to payment schedules and payment types.

“If you feel that something isn’t right, notify police. You may just help us stop more people being scammed.”

Investigations under Strike Force Downstream continue.

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