A married couple and their associate have been charged in a significant NDIS fraud case, involving an alleged scheme worth approximately $1 million. Richard John Kennedy, 36, his wife Charlene Gatt, 31, and their associate Manbir Rooprai, 32, were arrested on Wednesday following a comprehensive five-month investigation into fraudulent activities tied to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The arrests were made after detectives conducted raids across several locations in New South Wales. Law enforcement officers searched three properties in South West Rocks and Arakoon, as well as a fourth property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. During the raids, police allegedly uncovered several documents, records, and electronic storage devices related to the fraud.
The trio is accused of submitting fraudulent invoices to the NDIS for services that were never provided to vulnerable patients, in order to illegally obtain financial gain. Kennedy faces multiple charges, including three counts of dishonestly attempting to obtain a gain, and one charge for dealing in proceeds of crime valued at more than $1 million. Charlene Gatt has been charged with attempting to dishonestly obtain a gain, while Manbir Rooprai is facing four counts of fraud, as well as two additional counts related to attempting to obtain a gain through dishonesty.
Rooprai and Kennedy were denied bail and appeared before Kempsey Local Court, while Gatt was granted conditional bail and will return to court on April 10.
Investigations into the fraud scheme are ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence related to the unregistered support service provider involved. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat financial fraud, especially in programs designed to support vulnerable individuals.
Key Charges:
Richard John Kennedy: Three counts of dishonestly attempting to obtain a gain, one count of dealing in proceeds of crime.
Charlene Gatt: One count of attempting to dishonestly obtain a gain.
Manbir Rooprai: Four counts of dishonestly attempting to obtain a gain, two counts of attempting to dishonestly obtain a gain.
Authorities urge anyone with further information related to this case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
