Protecting NDIS: Woman sentenced over fraud plot
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A woman linked to a criminal syndicate convicted of plotting to defraud NDIS participants has been sentenced for her involvement.
The sentencing of the woman finalises the successful prosecution of Operation Apus, an NDIS Fraud Taskforce investigation which saw all six offenders plead guilty to charges the group illegally claimed plan funding from NDIS participants.
The woman was this week sentenced in Sydney District Court to two years imprisonment, subject to meeting an Intensive Corrections Order.
Other members of the plot are currently serving time in prison, having pleaded guilty and been sentenced to time behind bars after being caught trying to defraud NDIS participants.
“This sentencing wraps up a successful operation for the Taskforce, and further illustrates that the National Disability Insurance Agency has zero tolerance for fraud,” the Agency’s Chief Risk Officer, Mel Woodburn said.
“Our priority is protecting participants and ensuring they can access the disability supports they need. Participants, families and carers should have full confidence that the Agency is preventing, detecting, and responding to this type of criminal behaviour.”
Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, recently announced the indefinite extension of the NDIS Fraud Taskforce.
The Taskforce is a multi-agency partnership between the NDIA, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Services Australia, with a focus on high risk and serious criminal activity targeting the NDIS.
Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717, email [email protected].
OPERATION APUS – STAMPING OUT NDIS FRAUD
September 2020
- Man sentenced to 4 years 9 months in prison with a non-parole period of 3 years.
- Woman sentenced to 4 years 9 months in prison with a non-parole period of 2 years and 9 months.
April 2021
- Man sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, with 12 months own recognisance.
- Man sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, with 12 months own recognisance.
- Woman sentenced to 2 years imprisonment – to be served as an intensive correction order in the community.
August 2021
- Woman sentenced to 2 years imprisonment – to be served as an intensive correction order in the community.
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