A school principal and his brother-in-law are facing serious accusations after allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that defrauded the NSW Department of Education of up to $1.4 million. Rabieh Gharibeh, 37, who is the current principal of Sir Joseph Banks High School in Revesby and formerly served as principal at Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School, and his brother-in-law Ahmed Charchouh, 38, a director of a building company, were arrested in early morning raids across Western Sydney.
Police allege that from August 2022 to November 2024, Gharibeh and Charchouh misappropriated funds meant for maintenance and building works at the schools. Gharibeh, who had financial delegation authority of up to $150,000, allegedly approved inflated prices for maintenance work or failed to ensure the work was even completed. In some instances, police claim, the pair raised and backdated 86 fraudulent invoices before any work was carried out.
Detectives executed search warrants on properties in Georges Hall, Yagoona, and Revesby on Wednesday, where they allegedly found electronics, $42,400 in cash, a ballistics vest, and luxury watches. Gharibeh and Charchouh were charged with 60 fraud and corruption offenses, including dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage, agent corruptly receiving a benefit, and participating in a criminal group.
The men appeared at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday, where their case was adjourned. A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education stated they would not comment further on the ongoing legal matter but emphasized their commitment to upholding high professional and ethical standards, taking any criminal activity allegations very seriously.
Authorities are working to recover the proceeds from the alleged fraudulent activities.
