Man charged following investigation into fraudulent supply of safety cards

Описание: A man, who purported to work for a Registered Training Organisation, has been charged following a joint-agency investigation into the alleged fraudulent supply of white cards.

The Identity Security Strike Team (ISST), a multi-jurisdictional initiative between the NSW Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), investigates high level, complex identity fraud and related security matters under both Commonwealth and State legislation.

In July 2015, the ISST received information relating to the fraudulent supply of work health and safety ‘white cards’ to unqualified workers, and commenced investigations under Operation Drax.

Following an extensive investigation, ISST officers arrested a 37-year-old man at Kellyville about 7am on Tuesday 20 September 2016.

He was taken to Castle Hill Police Station and charged with four counts of fraud (192E Crimes Act).

Police will allege in court the man completed online white card training falsely claiming to be someone else. He then provided General Construction Induction Cards to that person for a fee.

The man was granted bail and is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court Wednesday 2 November 2016.

Following the arrest, ISST investigators executed search warrants at a home in Kellyville and an office at Eastwood.

Officers located and seized computers, mobile phones, ‘white cards’, cash and documents relating to training/courses/qualifications for the construction industry.

Investigations are continuing.

State Crime Command’s Fraud & Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, said the ISST is dedicated to investigating all facets of identity-related crime.

“The compromise of personal information and the production of false or forged documents is a serious issue and can have dangerous consequences for the community,” Det Supt Katsogiannis said.

“In this case, the potential of having unqualified workers at a work site is a great concern and puts the safety of other workers, and the community at risk.

“In addition, ISST investigators are working closely with SafeWork NSW and interstate agencies to ensure national work health and safety laws are not compromised.

“I would like to commend ISST investigators for their hard work and perseverance with this complex investigation," Det Supt Katsogianis said.

Australian Federal Police Coordinator of Organised Crime and Cyber, Detective Superintendent Brett James, said the ISST is crucial in targeting those who deal in and possess false identification cards.

“Identity crime affects a substantial number of people every year and continues to be one of the most common crimes in Australia. The ISST strives to target those individuals and groups who commit identity crime offences and this arrest is one example of the success of this joint agency strike force”, said Detective Superintendent James.

Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said SafeWork would cooperate with NSW Police on their investigation.

“SafeWork NSW does not tolerate licence fraud and will work with NSW Police, SafeWork Australia, and other regulators to cancel any fraudulently issued cards and take whatever regulatory action is necessary,” Mr Dunphy said.

“Any business with concerns about fraudulent licences should contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.”