Strike Force Mercury: further arrests in FDC fraud case

The New South Wales police force announced late yesterday that a further 11 people have been arrested in relation to their alleged role in a criminal syndicate said to have conducted co-ordinated fraudulent activities targeting family day care (FDC) operations.

Police will allege in court that the syndicate fraudulently claimed Commonwealth payments under the Child Care Subsidy schemes, with allegations being put forward that the syndicate fraudulently claimed at least $3.9 million in payments over a 10-month period.

In May this year The Sector reported on the dismantling of the alleged criminal syndicate said to have been participating in a complex FDC fraud. 

Strike Force Mercury detectives executed 23 search warrants and charged 17 people. As part of further inquiries, 22 people were charged in September 2019. They all remain before the courts.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested four women – aged 20, 29, 42 and 48 – about 7am in the Fairfield area on Monday 11 November 2019, with a further four women arrested in the Bankstown area yesterday, Tuesday 12 November 2019.

All those recently arrested were charged with participating in a criminal group, being granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday 25 November 2019.

As part of further inquiries, two women – aged 33 and 45 – were arrested in the Liverpool area and a 28-year-old woman was arrested at Wollongong yesterday morning Wednesday 13 November 2019.

Joint investigations under Strike Force Mercury are ongoing, and anyone with information which may be of assistance is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information about FDC fraud can also be provided to the Department of Education by phoning 02 6121 5450 or via email to [email protected]