A multi-agency crackdown on alleged NDIS fraud has seen investigators seize cash, precious metals and cryptocurrency assets across Queensland as part of a sweeping criminal probe into a suspected fraud syndicate.
The Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT) has seized $176,000 in cash, silver and gold after executing five search warrants in Queensland as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into a fraud syndicate.
The joint investigation, codenamed Operation Benz, began in October 2025 after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) identified a participant allegedly submitting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) claims for support and services that were not provided.
The FFT-led investigation identified these claims as allegedly being facilitated through an illegitimate NDIS provider business established by, and under the control of, the participant.
The inquiries led to overt FFT police activity across five business and residential properties in Far North Queensland, Cairns and Brisbane last month.
During the warrants, FFT investigators located $94,000 cash alleged to be proceeds of crime, and gold and silver sovereign coins, estimated to be worth more than $82,000, as well as a cryptocurrency wallet.
Investigators also seized electronic devices and documentation, and accessed cloud-based data.
The warrants follow restraint action taken by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (QCCC) in relation to about $5.02 million in gold, silver and funds allegedly obtained by the syndicate.
The QCCC is now conducting a confiscation investigation as it seeks to recover assets alleged to have been criminally acquired.
At this stage, no charges have been laid and investigations are continuing.
AFP Acting Commander Timothy Underhill said the AFP and its FFT partners were committed to protecting the integrity of vital support services for those who needed them most.
“Agencies across the Commonwealth are working together to deliver and safeguard government measures which support the community, and stop criminal groups and individuals who seek to defraud services vulnerable members of the community reply on,” Mr Underhill said.
“This includes creating a hostile environment for criminals by removing the profits from their fraudulent activities.”
An NDIA spokesperson said when suspicious activity was identified, the NDIA acted swiftly with FFT partners to investigate and respond.
“We are strengthening our safeguards every day, including enhanced monitoring and payment controls to prevent, detect and disrupt criminal behaviour targeting the Scheme,” the spokesperson said.
“The NDIS exists to support Australians with significant and permanent disability to access the services they need – every action we take is about protecting the NDIS for those who rely on it today and for future generations.”
