Police have arrested 18 people and raided more than 20 properties, including one in the Illawarra, as part of an ongoing family daycare fraud investigation.
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The blitz came almost a year after detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad and Organised Crime Squad joined forces with the federal Department of Education and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to establish Strike Force Mercury.
The strike force was set up in July last year to investigate coordinated fraudulent activities targeting family day care operations.
Detectives have also been assisted by the NSW Department of Education and NSW Crime Commission.
As part of ongoing investigations, 22 search warrants were executed at properties across south-west Sydney - including in Bass Hill, Chester Hill and Georges Hall - from 6am on Wednesday.
One property in the Illawarra was also raided.
Eighteen people, three men and 15 women, were arrested and taken to local police stations.
They are expected to be charged over their alleged roles in the syndicate.
Police will allege in court the syndicate fraudulently claimed for Commonwealth benefits under child care subsidy schemes.
Strike Force Mercury investigations are ongoing.
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Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
