Newtown man arrested in relation to alleged genU fraud of ‘several million dollars’

A man has been arrested as part of a police investigation into suspected fraudulent activity, allegedly involving several million dollars, linked to embattled Geelong organisation genU.

genU headquarters Reynolds Rd Belmont. Picture: Alison Wynd

A man has been arrested as part of a police investigation into suspected fraudulent activity, allegedly involving several million dollars, linked to embattled Geelong-based disability support provider genU.

Detectives from the financial crime squad executed a warrant at a home in Newtown on Thursday morning.

The 57-year-old man was interviewed by police and subsequently released pending further inquiries.

GenU reported the matter to police early in 2023, with the investigation into it beginning in February of that year.

The organisation identified suspicious activity relating to accounts being wrongfully charged to them.

According to authorities, the activity is alleged to have occurred over about five years and involves several million dollars.

Detectives are in possession of financial and business records from genU, which “continue to be forensically assessed.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman investigators were “keen to speak to anyone who may have knowledge of the matter and those responsible”.

“This information can also be provided to police anonymously,” she said.

Chief executive Clare Amies said the organisation is extremely disappointed to have been targeted in this way.

“For someone to allegedly take advantage of a not-for-profit organisation who provides important supports and services to vulnerable community members is disgraceful,” Ms Amies said.

“We remain strong and have incredible employees across Australia who continue to provide high-quality services and demonstrate unwavering commitment to our clients, their families and carers, and to our purpose to enrich the lives of others.

“This has not and will not impact our day-to-day service delivery or the way we conduct our business.”

According to genU, during the period of suspected fraudulent activity all of the organisation’s funded services to clients were delivered and client contracts fulfilled.

The Geelong Advertiser initially reported the matter in March of 2023, stating that genU had reported the suspected fraud to authorities.

The arrest comes only weeks after it was reported the financial woes of genU look to be worsening as the organisation prepares to record a loss of around $15m for the 2023/24 financial year.

The ongoing troubles, which include the recent departure of two of its most senior executives and a petition to oust Ms Amies, have created significant angst among its membership and employees.

Originally published as Newtown man arrested in relation to alleged genU fraud of ‘several million dollars’