Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSW Government introduced various relief payments and subsidies to assist individuals and/or businesses. In order to obtain these Government payments, individuals and/or business were required to submit applications which detailed loss or predicted loss in earnings.

Strike Force Sainsbery was recently established to investigate fraudulent applications made to obtain COVID-19 pandemic relief payments.

Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), it is illegal to obtain finical advantage by using a false document, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, and create false documents to obtain financial advantage.

What happens if I submitted false documents to obtain the NSW Government pandemic relief payments?

Making or using a false document with the intention to dishonestly gain financial advantage is considered an offence under sections 253 and 254 of the Act. If you are charged with either of these crimes, the maximum penalty you could receive is 10 years imprisonment.

Under section 192E of the Act, it is unlawful to dishonestly obtained financial advantage by deception. If you are charged with this offence, you could face up to 10 years imprisonment.

For more information on possible penalties, see our sentencing page.

Photo by EVA Kowalievaka