Detectives from Taskforce Echo have arrested two women as part of an investigation into the false nomination of drivers for penalty notices.
A warrant was executed at a residential address in Greenvale on 24 June, with police seizing a range of electronic devices, cash, a samurai sword and drugs.
The devices were then forensically analysed.
A 25-year-old Greenvale woman was interviewed on 4 July and subsequently charged with 292 offences, including:
• Misconduct in public office;
• Pervert the course of justice;
• Obtain financial advantage by deception;
• Use identification information commit indictable offence;
• Fail to provide information/assistance under warrant;
• Possess cannabis;
• Deal property suspected proceeds of crime; and
• Unauthorised access to restricted data.
She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 July.
Police will allege that the woman, who was previously working for a third party contractor, used her position to access information and then receive payment for false nominations of penalty notices.
It’s also believed that a number of those who received the penalty notices are connected to organised crime entities including outlaw motorcycle gangs and Middle Eastern Organised Crime groups.
Also on 4 July, detectives executed a warrant at a Westmeadows property and arrested a 22-year-old Westmeadows woman.
She was interviewed and subsequently released pending further enquiries.
During the warrant, police located and seized a range of items including electronic devices, an air rifle, gel blaster firearm and nunchuks.
An 18-year-old Westmeadows man was arrested and interviewed in relation to the weapons and released pending further enquiries.
The seized electronic devices are also being forensically analysed.
At this time, it is believed over 600 penalty notices may have been subject to false nominations.
The investigation remains ongoing and will also include those who have allegedly paid to have their fines nominated to someone else.
Police have worked closely with Fines Victoria and the Department of Justice and Community Safety as part of this investigation and have also notified the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
Anyone with information about this matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
