WA Police Bust Criminal Syndicate Behind Major Fraud
WA Police have arrested four men accused of orchestrating an elaborate phishing scam that defrauded Australian bank customers of over $350,000. The alleged criminals, aged 19 to 31, face a combined total of 70 charges, including fraud and theft.
The scam came to light in September 2023 when the Australian Federal Police identified victims whose online banking accounts had been compromised through text message phishing. Posing as banks, the syndicate sent fake messages to trick victims into sharing their account logins, credit card details, and passwords.

Using the stolen details, syndicate members reportedly spent over $350,000 via Apple Pay at various retail stores in Perth between July and August 2023. Police investigations led to search warrants and the arrests of four men across Western Australia from July to October this year.
Among the arrested is a 22-year-old from Sinagra, facing 16 counts of fraud and other charges, who was apprehended at Perth Airport. Other suspects include men aged 19, 24, and 31, all of whom are scheduled to appear in court between December 2024 and January 2025.
WA Police confirmed ongoing investigations into the syndicate and released footage of the arrests. Authorities continue to work towards protecting citizens from similar scams.
WA