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Sydney Solicitors Charged in Separate Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Investigations

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Sydney Solicitors Charged in Separate Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Investigations

Two solicitors in Sydney have been charged in separate, unrelated investigations into alleged multi-million dollar fraud schemes.

Alleged Property Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

A 32-year-old Sydney solicitor has been charged with multiple offenses following an investigation by the NSW Police Raptor Squad and Financial Crimes Squad.

Police allege the solicitor helped facilitate a scheme where properties worth $25 million were fraudulently purchased. The solicitor is also alleged to have laundered money for a criminal syndicate accused of using stolen information to apply for loans for non-existent vehicles and orchestrating large-scale personal, business, and home loan fraud.

Legal Proceedings

  • The man was arrested during an early morning raid on a home in Punchbowl.
  • He was charged with six counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, five counts of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, and participating in a criminal group.
  • He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear in Bankstown Local Court.
  • A second search warrant was executed at an office in Sydney's central business district.

Broader Investigation Context

Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja described this arrest as "the first professional facilitator in a legal capacity charged under this strike force."

  • NSW Police have charged 24 people in relation to the alleged fraud.
  • Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, commander of the Financial Crimes Squad, stated that those charged to date include "mules, facilitators and financial professionals – including bankers."
  • The NSW Crime Commission has restrained $95 million in assets as part of the investigation.
  • Police said investigations are ongoing.

Alleged Theft from Client Accounts

In a separate matter, a 45-year-old Sydney solicitor has been charged with fraud-related offenses.

Police allege that between April 2023 and February 2025, the solicitor, employed at a Bondi Junction law firm, accessed several business and trust accounts and transferred funds to himself. It will be alleged in court that approximately $14.8 million was stolen from clients. Police sources indicate the funds were allegedly used for gambling.

Legal Proceedings

  • Detectives arrested the solicitor at Maroubra Police Station.
  • He was charged with multiple fraud-related offenses, refused bail, and appeared in court.

Investigation Origin

The investigation began following a referral from the NSW Law Society.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja stated that this referral was instrumental in enabling detectives to uncover the full extent of the alleged offenses.