Search warrants were issued yesterday at four locations in western Sydney, where four people were arrested by Australian federal police officers.
The group allegedly has links to organized crime in the Middle East, NDIS said.
The arrests come after an investigation by the NDIS Fraud Taskforce. (NDIS)
Three of the individuals, including two 37- and 32-year-old women and a 27-year-old man, allegedly worked as service providers for people with disabilities.
The group has been accused of unfairly claiming money from NDIS participants where no services were received.
They appeared in court yesterday.
A fourth man, 62, was charged with allegedly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He is due to appear in court today.
“It is alleged that the detainees violently threatened participants and witnesses, and were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and general dishonesty,” the NDIS said in a statement.
AFP agents and INDIS fraud agents searched four properties in west Sydney. (NDIS)
AFP Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan described the incident as an attack on Australians living with a disability.
“Supposedly, members of our community have been attacked, exploited and threatened by groups seeking to fill their pockets and steal public funds that have been set aside for Australians in need of this support,” Ryan said.
“AFP will not stop its pursuit of these groups that cut and change companies in a futile effort to hide their criminal behavior from law enforcement.”