Investigators found the woman misused NDIS funds intended for her child with a disability to purchase a residential property.

Two men, aged 25 and 47, who were found to be unlawful non-citizens, were detained during the operation.

The spokesperson, who requested anonymity, described the situation as unprecedented in their two decades of diplomatic service and said efforts were under way to have the individuals identified and returned to India.

Authorities have reiterated warnings to travellers about the risks of carrying items on behalf of others, noting those caught importing illicit drugs into Australia face serious criminal penalties.

Fr Antonyadimai, described by colleagues as a “sensitive” and “gentle” priest, had expressed fear of public disgrace before his death.

Victoria Police allege the syndicate, which began operating in Victoria before relocating to Queensland in October last year, stole more than 150 vehicles worth over $20 million before moving north.

The tribunal heard adviser coached a migrant on how to pay $70,000 for a fabricated role that would support a residence visa application, while advising him on how to conceal the arrangement from authorities.

Petrol prices in Australia’s five largest cities averaged about $2.19 a litre last week, while diesel was above $2.40 a litre on average.

Gurpreet Singh arrived in Canada on a temporary resident visa and worked as a religious worker at a Sikh temple.

The warrant forms part of Operation Honeycomb, a multi-agency investigation into suspected large-scale NDIS fraud and associated money laundering.