NSW Police have arrested seven people, including 55-year-old Fotis Antonios, in connection with an alleged billion-dollar scam where a crime syndicate coached individuals to file fraudulent sex abuse claims against the NSW government.
Antonios, from Girraween in Sydney’s west, is accused of being the leader of the syndicate that exploited former young offenders, inmates, and school students to submit fake claims.
Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja stated, “He’s made hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not a million dollars; he is the [alleged] syndicate head.”
Antonios and others allegedly coached complainants to pursue claims under the National Redress Scheme, the Sexual Assault Reporting Option, and civil litigation. Each fraudulent claim brought in at least $2,200, with Antonios reportedly having 100 claims pending.
The investigation has identified nearly 4,000 claims, many of which are “strikingly similar,” and several law firms are under investigation for their roles in the scam. Police suspect a significant portion of the $1.3 billion in claims were fraudulent.
Antonios faces 21 charges, including fraud and inciting others to commit fraud, and will appear in Parramatta Local Court.
Other arrests include a 53-year-old woman from Granville and individuals from Pendle Hill, Gladesville, and Horsley, all of whom are expected to face court next month.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
