Nine people with links to bikie gangs have been arrested after allegedly defrauding more than $100,000 in bushfire relief funds.
At least one member and eight others with ties to outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG), were arrested and charged for allegedly obtaining unlawful grant money through a NSW Government grant scheme intended to support victims of the 2019-2020 bushfire disaster.
Police allege a total of $700,000 in claims were made by the group that resulted in grants being obtained to the value of $113,000.
Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow, said the crimes are particularly heinous given the extent of devastation and tragedy suffered by the people of NSW in the aftermath of the crisis.
"This is a most disturbing incident," Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said.
"The bushfires completely destroyed thousands of homes, schools, community facilities and other critical infrastructure and tragically claimed the lives of 26 people, including three Rural Fire Service volunteers."
"Sadly, the aftermath of this tragedy was many small businesses were severely affected and the federal government funding was established to provide them some relief.
"Unfortunately, there are segments of society who will choose to use situations such as these to gain personal financial advantage, and not surprisingly on this occasion the alleged offenders have ties to outlaw motorcycle gangs."
Police executed 11 search warrants across Greater Sydney and the Southern Highlands during a two-day operation yesterday and today.
During the searches, officers seized cash, prohibited drugs including ecstasy, cannabis, methylamphetamine (ice) and steroids as well as a number of documents and electronic devices.
During the two-day operation, nine people – six men aged between 25 and 30, and three women aged between 25 and 37 – were arrested.
Police said two more people will be arrested and charged by the end of the day.
Police believe the the fraudulent operation was spearheaded by creating fake businesses and claiming losses as a result of the fires.
The money was allegedly used for a range of illegal activities including online gambling and subscriptions to pornography sites.
"This sort of behavior ... shows they will not miss any opportunity to have money out of other people's misfortune," Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said.
"We are extremely pleased these individuals are now before the court and would like to thank Service NSW for their assistance with our investigation," Detective Critchlow said.
More than 2400 families and small businesses are still receiving support from the relief program to assist the aftermath of the bushfire crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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