Weltnachrichten – AU – Daycare owners accused of raising millions by registering « phantom children »

A Melbourne couple have been accused of registering « phantom children » in a childcare center they run to demand millions of dollars from the government for payments to which they are not entitled.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged Ola Ouda, 42, and Amjad Shehada, 47, both from Doncaster East, with serious fraud.

Three other people, including two educators, were also charged with grave fraud after AFP officials raided several properties in Victoria and New South Wales.

AFP Commander Todd Hunter said investigators spoke to more than 70 educators and parents in the course of their investigation and it is likely that more people will be charged.

« It is alleged that the Melbourne daycare company’s registered provider, along with a number of co-defendants, defrauded the Commonwealth-funded childcare subsidy payments by registering children who did not attend childcare to make false claims « , he said.

The alleged scam, which authorities claim grossed $ 15 million, included an exaggeration of the hours some children spent in childcare or pre- and post-school care.

The AFP said the couple’s business is one of, if not the largest, claimants and recipients of childcare allowance payments in the country.

The couple are also accused of fraudulently soliciting money for coronavirus stimuli, including payments to jobkeepers, for a number of Melbourne-based companies that they own and operate.

« This operation should serve as another clear warning that [suspected] fraud of this type is being stolen from the pockets of Australian taxpayers, » said Commander Hunter.

« This is money that belongs in the hands of our community to support some of our most vulnerable people. « 

The AFP claims the couple used the stimulus money to fund a lavish lifestyle that included vacations overseas, luxury cars, and an extensive real estate portfolio.

The arrests follow an operation in which more than 265 people from the AFP and the federal and state education departments were involved.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said the government is determined to take action against people trying to defraud the Commonwealth.

« Unfortunately there will always be people who want to exploit the Australian taxpayer so we will always try to do the research and make sure we have the resources to make sure this doesn’t happen, » he said.

All five of the defendants were released on bail to attend on Sept.. To appear in court next June next year.

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Childcare, Melbourne, Dan Tehan