Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad arrested a further six people this week as part of an investigation into gang members and associates linked to a series of financial deceptions involving government agencies.
The warrants were executed from 7am on Wednesday, 17 August by a number of units including Gang Crime Squad, Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce, Melbourne Embona Taskforce and Melbourne Criminal Investigation Unit.
Investigators have also worked in collaboration with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Search warrants were executed at residential properties in Donvale, Fitzroy (2), Weir Views and Brunswick West.
A 24-year-old Donvale man was charged with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess proceeds of crime, traffick commercial quantity drug of dependence, and possess drug of dependence.
The Criminal Proceeds Squad has also restrained $70,000 worth of his cash assets.
He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
A 24-year-old Fitzroy man, a 22-year-old Fitzroy woman and a 21-year-old Weir Views man were interviewed in relation to the offences of obtain property by deception and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and are all expected to be charged on summons.
It’s believed the four arrested were involved in almost $215,000 worth of fraudulent payments.
Police also seized a number of items from the addresses, including various drugs of dependence including cocaine, cannabis and GHB, a prohibited weapon, numerous forms of identification suspected of being stolen, household furniture suspected of being purchased with the proceeds of crime, electronic devices including computers, and mobile phones, assorted financial documentations, and a safe.
During the execution of the warrants two men were arrested on unrelated matters.
A 23-year-old Richmond man was charged with possess drug of dependence, traffick drug of dependence and possess proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 31 January, 2023.
A 25-year-old Yuroke man was charged with possess drug of dependence and issued with a cannabis caution.
The Gang Crime Squad investigation commenced in February 2022 after police located a number of suspicious financial transactions during a separate investigation.
Police allege those arrested have been involved in a number of large-scale deceptions involving government agencies where fraudulent payments have subsequently been received after those involved provided false details.
The ATO supported this week’s action as part of its ongoing Operation Protego.
Wednesday’s arrests follow a further nine arrests in June of this year by the Gang Crime Squad – seven men and two women were arrested and were interviewed in relation to the offences of obtain property by deception and possess proceeds of crime, and will be charged on summons.
Operation Protego is investigating a significant fraud involving participants inventing fake businesses to claim false refunds.
The investigation remains ongoing and police will continue to work in collaboration with the ATO.
Anyone with information about offences or gang activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Commander Mick Frewen, Crime Command:
“This operation is about targeting the criminality of street gang members and their associates at every level and in every way possible.
“These financial deceptions are not victimless crimes – they essentially illegally take money from hard working and honest members of the community.
“The funds are then used by these groups to undertake further serious offending.
“We have seen time and time again that one of the best ways to disrupt these groups is to target their funding, which in this case has been fraudulently obtained.
“This is a warning for these groups not to engage in financial crime or fraud. You are not anonymous, and you will be targeted.
“We want to make Victoria as hostile an environment as possible for criminal groups, including street gangs, and we will look for any and every opportunity to do so.”
Quotes attributable to ATO Deputy Commissioner John Ford:
“For some time, we’ve been warning the community about a widescale GST fraud we’re calling Operation Protego. We’ve warned people to not engage in the fraud, and we’ve urged them to come forward if they have been involved.”
“This week’s activities are another example of continuing strong action taken against people who engage in financial crime and fraud. It should act as clear deterrent to those thinking of becoming involved to not do so.
“We have shared the details of around 29,000 people involved in this fraud with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). The ongoing collaboration and information sharing with our partners across government and law enforcement agencies will bring a spotlight on the fraudsters.
“We know who you are, and it really is only a matter of time before we’re on your doorstep.
“While we continue to urge people to come forward now before we take firmer action against them, you can also expect to see continued enforcement action against the most serious offenders.”
The ATO takes all reports of tax crime seriously. Anyone who is involved is encouraged to come forward by calling 1300 130 017 rather than wait and face even tougher consequences later. More information is available at ato.gov.au/GST refund fraud .
