Criminal Groups Squad detectives have charged an employee of a primary school after she allegedly provided a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine certificate to her workplace.
In July 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Sugarcane to investigate the activities of a south-west Sydney-based organised criminal network (OCN).
To date, 20 people have been charged by strike force detectives for various drug supply, firearm, fraud, proceeds of crime and direct or participate criminal group offences. All remain before the courts.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives identified an associate of the OCN who allegedly fraudulently obtained a COVID-19 vaccine certificate last October (2021).
Following extensive inquiries, detectives – assisted by Raptor Tactical officers – executed a search warrant at a home in Merrylands about 8.30am on Tuesday, July 19.
During a subsequent search, police located and seized cash, documentation and electronic items for further forensic examination.
A 55-year-old woman was arrested at the home and taken to Granville Police Station and charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
It will be alleged in court the woman used a fraudulent document to verify her vaccination status with her employer.
The Merrylands West woman – who is a school administrative manager – was refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Wednesday, July 20.
Investigations under Strike Force Sugarcane continue.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.