Man charged over alleged ATM skimming syndicate - Strike Force Huntington
Thursday, 27 November 2014 01:25:14 PM
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
NSW POLICE FORCE
&
AUSTRALIAN CRIME COMMISSION
***Editors’ note – footage of yesterday’s raids and arrest will be send to media this afternoon***
Detectives investigating an ATM skimming syndicate operating throughout Sydney have charged a man after executing multiple search warrants.
Strike Force Huntington - a joint operation by State Crime Command’s Fraud & Cybercrime Squad and the Australian Crime Commission – was established following an increase in incidences of ATM skimming.
It’s believed those responsible are part of an organised group with links to Eastern Europe and have targeted locations across the Sydney metropolitan region.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed search warrants at homes in Matraville, Randwick and Darlinghurst about 6am yesterday (Wednesday 26 November 2014).
At the Matraville address, detectives located and seized phones, computers and multiple devices allegedly used in ATM skimming.
Police seized cash and phones from the other homes.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at one of the homes and taken to Maroubra Police Station. He was charged with possession of identification information; and possession of equipment to make identification documents.
The Hungarian National was refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court today (Thursday 27 November 2014).
Fraud & Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, is urging members of the community to remain vigilant when using ATMs.
“From yesterday’s phase of the operation, we believe we have dismantled this syndicate; however, it’s vital cardholders continue to exercise caution when using ATMs,” Det Supt Katsogiannis said.
“Make sure you carefully cover the pin-pad when entering your pin, and that you also regularly check your bank statements for irregular transactions or suspicious withdrawals,” he said.
Australian Crime Commission National Manager Investigations, Richard Grant, said the arrests were a significant success in the fight against serious and organised crime.
“This result highlights the effective collaboration between NSW Police and the Australia Crime Commission to dismantle a high-threat syndicate, preying on innocent Australians,” Mr Grant said.
Mr Grant said card-related fraud turned over more than $300 million in criminal profit in the 2013 calendar year alone.
“These criminals are highly organised, sophisticated and motivated by profit and greed. The Australian Crime Commission, along with its partners such as NSW Police, will continue to be vigilant in disrupting the activities of organised crime groups,” he said.
At the Matraville address, detectives located and seized phones, computers and multiple devices allegedly used in ATM skimming.
Police seized cash and phones from the other homes.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at one of the homes and taken to Maroubra Police Station. He was charged with possession of identification information; and possession of equipment to make identification documents.
The Hungarian National was refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court today (Thursday 27 November 2014).
Fraud & Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis, is urging members of the community to remain vigilant when using ATMs.
“From yesterday’s phase of the operation, we believe we have dismantled this syndicate; however, it’s vital cardholders continue to exercise caution when using ATMs,” Det Supt Katsogiannis said.
“Make sure you carefully cover the pin-pad when entering your pin, and that you also regularly check your bank statements for irregular transactions or suspicious withdrawals,” he said.
Australian Crime Commission National Manager Investigations, Richard Grant, said the arrests were a significant success in the fight against serious and organised crime.
“This result highlights the effective collaboration between NSW Police and the Australia Crime Commission to dismantle a high-threat syndicate, preying on innocent Australians,” Mr Grant said.
Mr Grant said card-related fraud turned over more than $300 million in criminal profit in the 2013 calendar year alone.
“These criminals are highly organised, sophisticated and motivated by profit and greed. The Australian Crime Commission, along with its partners such as NSW Police, will continue to be vigilant in disrupting the activities of organised crime groups,” he said.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
