NSW: Man charged as part of crime gang - police

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2008
NSW: Man charged as part of crime gang - police

SYDNEY, Dec 30 AAP - Police investigating an alleged multi-million dollar identity
fraud and money-laundering syndicate have charged a man after a raid on a Sydney house.

The 50-year-old man was arrested by officers from Strike Force Gamut at about 1.30pm
(AEDT) on Tuesday at a home at Ashfield in Sydney's inner west.

He was taken to Burwood Police Station where he was questioned and later charged with
participating in a criminal group, dealing in the proceeds of crime and fraud-related
offences.

He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.

Strike Force Gamut has been investigating the alleged activities of an organised crime
group, which steals cheques and personal banking details from mailboxes.

The personal details are then used to produce high quality counterfeit identity documents,
including drivers' licences and Medicare cards, police said.

It's alleged the gang uses the documents to open bank accounts used to launder money
and send it offshore.

Investigators have released images of four men and three women they believe are involved
and are appealing for the public's help in identifying and locating them.

Police have also warned people to be careful about who they share information with,
be vigilant in keeping their mail secure and checking their bank statements carefully
to pick up any problems.

Anyone with information on the syndicate is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP kd/ldj

KEYWORD: IDENTITY (PIX AVAILABLE)

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