A travel agent accused of defrauding up to 50 tourists by allegedly issuing false airline tickets and itineraries has been charged.
Zahra Rachid, 53, who ran travel agency Travel World Sydney in Arncliffe, in the city’s south, has been charged with 16 counts of fraud after she allegedly defrauded clients of more than $500,000.
Police will allege Rachid created entirely false travel documents, with booking reference numbers and seat assignments, before pocketing payments from customers.
Investigations into Rachid began last month when detectives created Strike Force Baile and began investigating alleged reports from dozens of potential travelers.
Zahra Rachid has been charged with fraud after allegedly scamming clients out of more than $500,000.
Rachid (centre) was arrested at a unit complex in Kingsgrove on Friday morning.
Police will allege that 16 different people made bookings through the agent which were then canceled without their knowledge and no refunds were issued.
The alleged victims included a family of 35 who had booked a “once in a lifetime” vacation to Greece, which cost $160,000.
Rachid was arrested at a unit complex in Kingsgrove, in Sydney’s south, last Friday morning.
She was taken to Kogarah police station and charged with 16 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Zahra Rachid (pictured) was granted bail to reappear in court on July 1.
Nicole Vris claimed she used Travel World Sydney’s Rachid to book the trip of a lifetime to Greece for 34 members of her family.
Rachid was refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on the same day, where he was granted conditional bail to reappear on July 1.
Under the conditions of his bail, Rachid must report to police daily, hand over his passport and not contact any previous clients of Travel World Sydney.
Police continue their investigations under the command of Strike Force Baile.
Rachid’s Travel World Sydney’s business website remains online, but the phone number has been disconnected.
‘We’ll guide you through the visa process, translate those confusing menus and make sure you have all the insider tips to avoid tourist traps… So, dust off your passport, break free from your boring routine and enjoy the extraordinary with we. ‘she states.
Zahra Rachid (pictured during her arrest) was charged with 16 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Up to 50 customers were allegedly scammed at Travel World Sydney (locals pictured)