Sydney Daycare Operator Charged Over $400,000 Fraudulent Facility
A 33-year-old woman has been charged by New South Wales Police for allegedly operating a fraudulent daycare centre in Sydney's southwest, with accusations of fraud totalling $400,000. The facility, located in Denham Court, was reportedly open for business between November 2023 and April 2024, during which time the operator is alleged to have engaged in multiple illegal activities.
Allegations of Unregistered Operation and Fraudulent Practices
The woman is accused of running the daycare service without the necessary legal registration or approvals, a serious breach of childcare regulations in Australia. According to police reports, she allegedly accepted additional children into care beyond what was permitted, exploiting families who trusted the facility. This unregistered operation is said to have contributed significantly to the fraudulent activities uncovered.
In addition to the unlicensed operation, the woman faces charges related to financial misconduct. She is accused of failing to pay rent on the property used for the daycare, which has led to further legal complications. Authorities also allege that she falsified documents concerning real estate matters, potentially to conceal the true nature of her business dealings.
Fraudulent Dealings with Government Agencies
The charges extend to fraudulent interactions with key Australian government bodies. The woman is alleged to have engaged in deceptive practices with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), which could involve tax evasion or false claims. Similarly, she is accused of fraudulent dealings with Services Australia, commonly known as Centrelink, possibly involving improper benefit claims or misrepresentation of her business status.
These allegations highlight a pattern of deceit that authorities claim impacted both private individuals and public institutions. The total fraud amount of $400,000 reflects the scale of the alleged misconduct, which spanned several months before being detected.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The woman was arrested at Parramatta Police Station on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the investigation. Following her arrest, she was refused bail, indicating the seriousness of the charges and potential flight risk. She is scheduled to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday, where she will face nearly 20 fraud-related charges.
This case underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the childcare sector and serves as a warning to operators who may attempt to bypass legal requirements. Authorities are urging parents to verify the registration status of daycare facilities to ensure their children's safety and avoid similar fraudulent schemes.
