Man charged over alleged $120k NDIS fraud

A 29-year-old Sydney man has been charged with allegedly defrauding the NDIS of over $120,000.

A 29-year-old Sydney man has been charged for allegedly defrauding the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) of more than $100,000. Picture: NSW Police

A 29-year-old west Sydney man has been charged with allegedly defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme of more than $120,000, prompting the commonwealth to issue a stern warning to those considering rorting the system.

The Villawood man, understood to have links to a suspected fraudulent provider, was arrested on Tuesday after a joint probe by the NDIS Fraud Taskforce, the Australian Federal Police and Services Australia.

The man was charged with obtaining a financial advantage by deception, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, but the AFP has not ruled out further charges.

Police will allege the man, who will appear before Fairfield Local Court on October 20, claimed for more than $123,000 in services that had not been provided to him.

Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds, who has previously noted the scheme faced serious sustainability issues, said the arrest vindicated the commonwealth’s decision in July to indefinitely extend the lifespan of the NDIS Fraud Taskforce.

“This is another warning to anyone out there considering ripping off funding intended for NDIS participants,” she said. “The message is clear: you will be caught and you will then face the consequences of your actions through the legal system.”

Whistleblower John Higgins, a former fraud investigator with the NDIS, quit in late 2019 from frustration over the lack of investigative resources to crack down on those rorting the system.

AFP Commander Crime Geoffrey Turner said the federal police and its partners remained committed to stamping out fraud against this critical commonwealth support scheme.

“Fraud against the NDIS hurts the most vulnerable in our community and deprives them of the help and support they deserve,” he said.

“We have seen the many ways people will try to commit fraud and hide their tracks but our officers are committed to being one step ahead, and bringing them to account to ensure NDIS funds reach those people the scheme is designed to help.”

Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said the arrest should serve as a warning to anyone looking to commit fraud.