$11m fraud: Adam Jones arrested at Green Square library, will face court.
Detectives arrested a man in a Sydney library on Wednesday in connection with an alleged $11m fraud conducted across NSW and South Australia. He will face court for the first time this morning.
Inner West
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A man has faced court today following a probe into an alleged $11 million fraud stretching from South Australia to NSW.
The NSW Police Force’s Cybercrime Squad, together with South Australia Police (SAPOL), established Strike Force Cedrilla to investigate modified payroll data and fraudulent bank accounts across NSW and South Australia.
Investigations identified that personal identification information had been acquired and used to modify payroll data, superannuation details and credit card records of several individuals across the country.
Further investigations revealed that the alleged fraudulent activities had been carried out by an individual based in South Australia from early 2019, and then in NSW from August 2019.
Detectives arrested 31-year-old Adam Jones at a library in Green Square about 11am on Wednesday.
Jones was not brought up from the cells during his first appearance at Newtown Local Court today and did not apply for bail.
He will return to court on April 2.
Officers seized the Jones’ laptop and mobile phone, which will undergo extensive forensic examination.
A short time later, officers executed two search warrants at homes in Newtown and Erskineville.
During the searches, police seized mobiles phones, computers, electronic equipment, personal identification documentation, prohibited drugs, including liquid steroids; and cryptocurrency.
Jones was taken to Newtown Police Station and was charged with 24 offences including nine counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, 12 deal with identity info to commit etc indictable offence, possess identity info to commit etc indictable offence and two of use false document to obtain financial advantage.
Police will allege in court that the man obtained more than $11 million through co-ordinated identify theft and the establishment of fraudulent accounts.
Officers also searched homes in the Adelaide metropolitan area.
A 32-year-old man and 28-year-old woman were arrested at a home in Seaton in relation to the joint investigation.
They are due to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
“(Personal details) had been acquired and stockpiled and then used to modify payroll data, superannuation details and then open multiple bank, email and phone accounts in the names of individuals,” NSW Police Force Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft said.
“Police will allege these actions were completed to deceive the victims into believing transactions were legitimate and were taking place for a lawful reason.”
“Police will further allege that money was moved around Australia by using authorised cryto-currency exchanges.”
It’s alleged Mr Jones had a “high degree of proficiency with computers”.
“He has what we would allege to be a degree of familiarity with technology and computers,” Det Supt Craft said.
It’s alleged Mr Jones used the stolen funds for overseas travel, a car and daily living expenses.
It’s believed there are more than 100 victims across several states including NSW, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Det Supt Craft said it was possible many of the victims were not yet aware they had been targeted.
“It is reprehensible. It’s hard-earned money and they’ve taken superannuation which is meant for savings for somebody’s retirement. I think it’s disgusting,” he said.
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