Image: Image supplied by NSW Police
Two Sydney men are facing accusations of attempting defraud the New South Wales Government of more than $200,000, by claiming to be sexual assault victims to access a government compensation scheme.
Nicholas Briggs and Jaiden Gribble are alleged to have submitted fraudulent sexual assault claims using the identities of approximately two dozen women to exploit the government’s victim compensation scheme.
Police allege that the pair submitted financial claims to the NSW government for victim compensation through the Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO) and redirected the funds into multiple bank accounts.
The investigation commenced in August when financial crime detectives identified several suspicious reports linked to the Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO).
About the Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO)
Launched by NSW Police in 2022, SARO enables individuals to report sexual assaults without triggering a formal investigation.
Victims of domestic violence often encounter significant challenges when reporting their experiences, making in-person disclosures particularly daunting. Therefore, many find online reporting to be a more accessible and less intimidating option.
Online platforms provide a degree of anonymity and control, allowing victims to share their stories and seek assistance without the immediate pressure of face-to-face interactions. This shift towards digital reporting is seen as a crucial step in helping survivors navigate the complex process of seeking support and safety.
Individuals who do not want to make a formal complaint can complete the online Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO).
According to the NSW Police Force, the SARO involves asking for specific information about the individual, the offender, and the offence. While some questions may appear personal or not directly related to the individual’s experience, the information provided can be crucial in identifying repeat offenders and helping police develop strategies to protect vulnerable communities. All responses to questions are optional, and individuals have the option to report anonymously.
SARO reports can be used in applications for compensation from the government’s victim support service, which is where the alleged fraud took place.
Allegations of Fraudulent Payments Exceeding $218,000
The two men are alleged to have received over $218,000 in fraudulent payments, according to a statement from NSW Police.
Court documents obtained by The Herald allege that Briggs submitted SARO reports using the real names and identity cards of multiple women to secure payments ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
The documents name two dozen payments and corresponding women, though The Herald will not disclose their identities. It is alleged that their Medicare cards, driver’s licences, passports, and photo identification cards were used to verify these claims.
Briggs, 37, and Gribble, 30, were arrested at a hotel in Lidcombe on Monday morning, as reported by The Herald. They were taken to Auburn Police Station, where they were charged with multiple offences.
Briggs faces 25 counts of dealing with identity information to commit an indictable offence, 19 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, and one count of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime with intent to conceal.
Meanwhile, Gribble has been charged with recklessly deal with proceeds of crime more than $5,000, deal with identity information to commit indictable offence and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
Neither man applied for bail during their appearance at Burwood Local Court.
The court was informed that Briggs is likely to be prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, given the severity of the allegations against him, as reported by The Herald.
Both men will return to court in December.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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