Justin Crampton-Smith fronts Wollongong Local Court over alleged $395,000 fraud

An employee who allegedly swindled nearly $400,000 from scores of transactions has faced an Illawarra court following a two-year police investigation.

Justin Crampton-Smith, 44, fronted Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday. Picture: Dylan Arvela

An employee who allegedly swindled nearly $400,000 in a fraud which police claim involved dozens of fraudulent transactions has been charged.

Justin Crampton-Smith, 44, fronted Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday from custody, after he was charged with three counts of steal property as clerk or servant, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

Police said Wollongong officers received a report in February 2023 of alleged fraudulent transactions being made by an employee of a business in Stewart St, Wollongong, and an investigation commenced.

Following more than two years of extensive inquiries and investigation, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers stopped a vehicle on the Princes Hwy, Maddens Plains, near Bulli Pass about 4.30pm on Monday.

Crampton-Smith was arrested during the stop, taken to Wollongong police station, charged and refused bail.

Police will allege Justin Crampton-Smith pocketed $395,000. (File Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar)

Police will allege Crampton-Smith, who now resides in Byron Bay, pocketed $395,000 from 82 fraudulent transactions.

The 44-year-old appeared in Wollongong Local Court before magistrate Geraldine Beattie on Tuesday where bail was granted on the condition he regularly report to Byron Bay police station.

Crampton-Smith is yet to enter pleas.

His case was adjourned to July 30 in the same court.

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