Major $1.8 million fraud investigation leads to multiple arrests
Detectives have arrested 10 young people across Brisbane and Toowoomba for their alleged parts in a major fraud investigation. Full list of charges, seized items here.
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Ten young people across Toowoomba and Brisbane have been arrested and high-end car and clothes seized as part of a police operation targeted fraudsters.
Police allege the group, aged between 18 and 22, were involved in large-scale GST fraud offences and provided false information to receive fraudulent payments.
A BMW Coupe, cash, drugs, electronic equipment, crypto hardware wallets, identification and designer clothing were seized as part of the investigation.
Police allege those charged collectively defrauded the Australian Taxation Office of in excess of $1.8 million.
An 18-year-old Kleinton man was charged with one count of fraud, possession of explosives, dangerous drugs, utensils and contravene requirement.
He is listed to appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on November 7.
A 20-year-old woman from Kearneys Spring has also been charged with two counts of fraud and one count of possessing tainted property.
She is expected to appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on October 10.
An 18-year-old Redbank man, 19-year-old Goodna man, 20-year-old Redbank Plains man, 22-year-old Chapel Hill man, 20-year-old Ripley man, 20-year-old Springfield Lakes man and 20-year-old Durack man were also arrested.
Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said it was believed the funds were to be used to commit further serious offending.
The investigation was executed by detectives from Taskforce Uniform Knot and is in partnership with the Australian Taxation Office’s Operation Protego.
As part of the investigation, several search warrants have been executed in the past three weeks at Brisbane and Toowoomba properties, with the assistance of the Financial and Cyber Crime Group.
If you have any information, please contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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