NSW Police Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged two men following an investigation into an alleged card skimming and fraud syndicate operating across the Sydney metropolitan area.
In April, State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad established Strike Force Dawport to investigate a significant increase in card skimming and fraud offences.
As part of inquiries, detectives identified an escalation in the installation of skimming devices on ATM’s, which were allegedly used to unlawfully capture debit and credit card data of customers.
Police will allege the stolen card data was subsequently used to manufacture counterfeit bank cards, allowing alleged offenders to access compromised accounts and make fraudulent cash withdrawals and transactions.
Sstrike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant in Macquarie Park yesterday morning. During the search, officers allegedly seized skimming devices, equipment to install them and more than $40,000 in cash.
Two men – aged 56 and 64 – were arrested at the scene and taken to Gladesville Police Station. Both men were charged with four counts of possess equipment make ID information commit indictable offence and two counts of attempted unauthorised function with intention serious offence.
The older man was charged with an additional offence of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. They were both refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.
Commander of Financial Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja said organised fraud and card skimming offences can have devastating consequences for victims.
“We will allege the syndicate targeted unsuspecting banking customers, causing significant financial harm through the theft and misuse of personal banking information,” Det Supt Arbinja said.
“Card skimming remains a sophisticated form of organised criminal activity, often involving the installation of covert devices to steal customer data before counterfeit cards are used to access victim accounts.
“The arrests should serve as a warning that the NSW Police Force will continue to identify, investigate and disrupt those involved in financial crime and fraud.”
