| This is a joint media release between partners of the Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce and the Queensland Crime & Corruption Commission |
The Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT) has seized $176,000 cash, silver and gold after executing five search warrants in Queensland as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into a fraud syndicate.
The joint investigation – codenamed Operation Benz – began in October 2025 after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) identified a participant allegedly submitting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) claims for support and services that were not provided.
The FFT-led investigation identified these claims as allegedly being facilitated through an illegitimate NDIS provider business established by, and under the control of, the participant.
The inquiries led to overt FFT police activity across five business and residential properties in Far North Queensland, Cairns and Brisbane in April 2026.
During the warrants, executed with the assistance of the Queensland Police Service, Australian Taxation Office and Services Australia, FFT investigators located $94,000 cash alleged to be proceeds of crime, and gold and silver sovereign coins – estimated to be worth more than $82,000 – as well as a cryptocurrency wallet.
Investigators also seized electronic devices and documentation, and accessed cloud-based data, all of which will be the subject of further forensic analysis.
These warrants come following restraint action undertaken by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (QCCC) in relation to about $5.02 million in gold, silver and funds obtained by the syndicate.
The QCCC is undertaking a confiscation investigation under the Criminal Proceeds Confiscation Act 2002 (Qld) as it seeks to recover assets alleged to have been criminally acquired by the syndicate.
At this stage no charges have been laid.
Investigations by the NDIA continue with the assistance of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
AFP Acting Commander Timothy Underhill said the AFP and its FFT partners were committed to protecting the integrity of vital support services for those who needed them most.
“Agencies across the Commonwealth are working together to deliver and safeguard government measures which support the community, and stop criminal groups and individuals who seek to defraud services vulnerable members of the community reply upon,” Acting Commander Underhill said.
“This includes creating a hostile environment for criminals by removing the profits from their fraudulent activities."
Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission Head of Crime Ms Sharon Loder said recovery action was important as it ensured serious crime didn’t pay.
“Recovery action also undermines the incentive for engaging in serious crimes for profit, and it restores public money so that much needed services can continue to be provided to the community,” Ms Loder added.
An NDIA spokesperson said when suspicious activity was identified, the NDIA acted swiftly with Fraud Fusion Taskforce partners to investigate, respond and protect the integrity of the NDIS.
“We are strengthening our safeguards every day, including enhanced monitoring and payment controls to prevent, detect and disrupt criminal behaviour targeting the Scheme,” the spokesperson said.
“The NDIS exists to support Australians with significant and permanent disability to access the services they need – every action we take is about protecting the NDIS for those who rely on it today and for future generations.”
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Assistant Commissioner Simon Hellmers said the warrant activity serves as a warning to anyone seeking to exploit government support systems.
“The Fraud Fusion Taskforce is actively targeting those who attempt to defraud the government and take away vital funding from the community,” Mr Hellmers said.
“Through the collective efforts of government agencies, we will continue to disrupt and dismantle these fraudulent activities.”
The FFT is a multi-agency taskforce comprising 24 agencies, co-led by the NDIA and Services Australia, and also includes the NDIS Commission, ATO, the ACIC and AFP. It focuses on high-risk and serious criminal activity targeting government programs designed to help those most in need.
Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717, email [email protected], or fill out the online NDIS Fraud reporting form. An interpreter service is available at 13 14 50.
ENDS
The CCC is an independent agency combating major crime and reducing corruption for the benefit of the Queensland community.
Media enquiries:
CCC Media: [email protected]
AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297
Images are available for download here.
