NDIS Fraud Squad Makes First Arrest

A man accused of stealing more than $400,000 from the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been charged by the government’s NDIS fraud squad.  

Police allege the 34-year-old Victorian man defrauded the NDIS between July and August this year, and used the money to buy a BMW 7-Series limousine, a Toyota Hilux, designer clothing and jewellery.

This week, a team from the recently established NDIS fraud taskforce ­executed a search warrant in the Melbourne suburb of Parkville to seize these items and arrest the man.

It is believed the 34-year-old’s actions directly impacted over 200 NDIS participants’ ability to access ongoing support.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the taskforce – comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Department of Human Services – sent a strong warning to those wanting to defraud the NDIS.

Human Services Minister Michael Keenan said stealing from the NDIS was not a victimless crime.

“Fraud robs the Australian community of much needed funds that should be spent on essential services we all rely on,” Keenan said.

“The staff from my department involved in the taskforce are experts in fraud detection and prevention and I commend them for the work they’ve done to bring about this arrest.”

The NDIA has worked alongside the investigation to contact participants impacted by the alleged fraud.

The Australian reported amounts as large as $12,000 were siphoned from NDIS participants by a company with which they had never signed an agreement.

Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher said the government was committed to making sure all NDIS funding went towards supporting people with disability.

“The NDIA is ensuring that participants affected by this alleged fraud will have their funds reinstated in their plans,” Fletcher said.