Director of disability service providers charged with defrauding NDIS of more than $2 million
A woman responsible for four NDIS service providers is behind bars, accused of fleecing taxpayers out of more than $2 million.
Ebtesam Ibrahim Hamoud Fahmy, director of four disability service providers in Sydney’s west, was arrested after a series of raids orchestrated by a specialist NDIS fraud task force in July and August.
Searches in Casula, Potts Hill and Liverpool led to the seizure of boxes of papers, mobile phones, computers, banking documents and other evidence against the four providers, two of whom had their registration immediately suspended.
Investigators say Ms. Fahmy, 54, was the subject of more than 15 complaints, including that her services collaborated with participants, who received bribes, to defraud the Commonwealth.
A western Sydney woman has been jailed as she faces charges of defrauding the NDIS of more than $2 billion.
During an appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, Ms Fahmy was charged with dishonest intent to obtain gain and recklessly dealing in the proceeds of crime.
She was refused bail until she can make an application to Downing Center Local Court next month.
The registration of two providers was immediately suspended with notices
Notices of intent to interdict Ms Fahmy, another woman and the four registered and unregistered NDIS providers were issued.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten told the Today’s telegraph that he could not comment on a matter before the courts, but cautioned those who might think western Sydney was a “soft” place for fraudsters.
“They seriously underestimate my determination to get rid of crooks,” Mr Shorten said.
“The people of Western Sydney are providing a lot of valuable information because they don’t want these vultures roaming their streets and exploiting people with disabilities.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said fraudsters take about $6 billion from the program each year.
“The National Disability Insurance Agency continues to assess every report it receives and will investigate if there is an indication that anyone is seeking to misappropriate money from the people it was intended for.”
Last year, Mr Shorten pledged to crack down on scammers who steal subsidy program for people with disabilities through vastly inflated false invoices.
He said about $6 billion would be pocketed by crooks dipping into the $30 billion program..
