Three people based in Sydney have been sentenced to multiple years imprisonment for their roles in defrauding $5.8 million from both the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The three Sydney-based people — two men and a woman — were among those arrested in April 2021 under Operation Pegasus, an operation launched by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 2020 to investigate suspected fraudulent NDIS providers based in Sydney.
According to the AFP, police alleged at the time they had identified a syndicate operating across three companies to defraud both the NDIS and ATO through false claims, including fraudulent medical reports.
During the search warrants, 8 kilograms of gold bullion, roughly $600,000 in cash and $635,176 worth of cryptocurrency was seized.
The AFP also seized three vehicles with a combined value of about $250,000 and a "significant amount of jewellery".
Facing a Sydney Central District Court earlier today, the two men — a 38-year-old from Lidcombe and 41-year-old from Ryde — were respectively served sentences of six years and six months, and two years and 11 months imprisonment.
abc loinfor those who think nothing is changing with the NDIS, this little result is saving thousands and is a clear warning to those committing fraud.
