Seven arrested over $1b fake sex abuse scam in Sydney

The alleged fraudsters stood to make $3.75 million if the claims were paid out, but police swooped before they could be processed.

The profits were known as “bum money” within the alleged syndicates, and detectives suspect a “significant portion” of the $1.3 billion of the claims made were fake.

The 55-year-old Antonios will face Parramatta Local Court on Thursday on 21 charges, including fraud, misleading documents and inciting others to do the same.

Also among the arrests were a woman in Granville, aged 53, a man and woman in Pendle Hill, aged 32 and 35, a man in Gladesville, 42, and a woman in Horsley, 52.

Queensland police arrested a 23-year-old man in Mermaid Beach.

All are expected to face court next month.

One law firm was raided in Sydney, and more arrests are expected.

More to come.

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National Sexual Assault Counselling Service 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028