Former Council Manager Faces Court Over Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Allegations
A former Shoalhaven Council manager has appeared before Parramatta Local Court, facing serious charges related to the alleged defrauding of three separate councils across New South Wales. The case involves substantial financial losses totalling nearly $1.3 million over more than a decade.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
Martin Thomas Dimec, aged 59, stood before the court on Thursday, January 29, 2026, charged with multiple counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. The allegations stem from his employment at various councils between 2012 and 2024, during which time he is accused of authorising and approving fraudulent invoices for contractors in three different council areas.
According to police investigations, a total amount of $1,295,029.94 was allegedly deposited into bank accounts controlled by Dimec during this period. The Financial Crimes Squad Fraud Unit established Strike Force Mullagh in May 2024 specifically to investigate these allegations of fraud and corruption.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Dimec was arrested on Wednesday, January 28, at Parramatta Police Station and subsequently charged with 41 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, along with one count of misconduct in a public office. During his court appearance, no plea was entered regarding the charges.
The court granted Dimec bail with strict conditions, including:
- Surrendering his passport to authorities
- Not entering any international airport or place of departure from Australia
- Reporting to Moss Vale Police Station three days per week
He is scheduled to face Parramatta Local Court again on Thursday, February 19, for further proceedings in this complex financial crimes case.
Council Response and Investigation Background
Shoalhaven Council has acknowledged awareness of the matter involving their former staff member, confirming that council personnel have cooperated with police investigations. The case involves not only Shoalhaven Council but also Goulburn and Murrumbidgee Councils, highlighting the cross-jurisdictional nature of the alleged fraudulent activities.
Detectives discovered through their inquiries that Dimec had allegedly manipulated the invoicing system across multiple council positions, creating a sophisticated scheme that operated undetected for approximately twelve years before coming under police scrutiny.
The case represents one of the more significant allegations of council-related financial misconduct in recent New South Wales history, with the substantial sum involved and the extended timeframe of the alleged activities drawing particular attention from both legal authorities and local government observers.
