Detectives from New South Wales’ Financial Crimes Squad have charged three men as part of an investigation into a fraudulent e-tag scheme worth more than $2.2 million.
Strike Force Aratula was established in January 2024 to investigate an organised criminal network allegedly selling e-tags linked to falsified payment methods, such as fraudulent credit cards, obtained on the dark web.
Police identified the scheme had been in operation for up to five years with 800 tags in circulation, of which the majority were sold to taxi drivers.
“This investigation is about holding the alleged members of this syndicate accountable,” Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja said.
“Those, who are not only profiting from this scheme, but exploiting innocent people’s identities and credit card details to fund their fraud.”
Part of Sydney’s WestConnex toll route
Following extensive inquiries, four search warrants were executed in Smithfield, Blacktown, Punchbowl, and Granville from about 5am on Tuesday.
A 37-year-old man was arrested in Smithfield and taken to Fairfield Police Station, where he was charged with 204 fraud-related offences, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and participate in a criminal group. He was refused bail to appear in Fairfield Local Court yesterday.
In Blacktown, police arrested a 38-year-old man who was later charged with 32 fraud-related offences, accessory before the fact of dealing with proceeds of crime, and participate in a criminal group. He was refused bail and appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in Punchbowl and taken to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with 35 fraud-related offences, and participate in a criminal group. He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court yesterday.
Transurban control room
During the searches, police located and seized 74 e-tags, numerous toll notices, electronic devices, $25,000 in cash, and a 2019 Mercedes-AMG coupe. While at the Granville address, a delivery of fraudulently purchased e-tags also arrived.
Police alleged in court the syndicate accessed up to 10,000 compromised identities and banking details – which were linked to the tags – from an international website for around $150,000.
Following the arrests and with help from multiple NSW transport agencies, detectives conducted a compliance operation at a taxi marshalling area at Sydney Airport’s domestic terminal. Police spoke to 200 taxi drivers and confiscated 12 e-tags believed to be a part of the scheme during the operation.
The drivers identified with fraudulent e-tags were spoken to and released pending further inquiries.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators in urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
