Australian authorities have seized cash, gold, silver and cryptocurrency as part of a major investigation into an alleged National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) fraud syndicate operating across Queensland.
The Australian Government’s Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT) executed five search warrants in Far North Queensland, Cairns and Brisbane in April 2026 under Operation Benz, uncovering about $176,000 in assets, including $94,000 in cash and more than $82,000 in gold and silver sovereign coins, alongside electronic devices and a cryptocurrency wallet.
The investigation began in October 2025 after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) identified suspicious claims allegedly linked to a participant submitting funding requests for support services that were not provided. Authorities allege these claims were facilitated through an illegitimate NDIS provider business controlled by the same individual.
The Queensland Police Service, Australian Taxation Office and Services Australia assisted in the coordinated raids. Investigators have also accessed cloud-based data and seized documentation, which will undergo forensic analysis.
In a separate but related action, the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (QCCC) has restrained approximately $5.02 million in assets, including gold, silver and funds, as part of an ongoing confiscation process under state proceeds-of-crime laws. No charges have been laid at this stage.
AFP Acting Commander Timothy Underhill said the operation reflects a coordinated push to protect public funds and vulnerable Australians.
He said,
“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 that vulnerable members of the community rely on.”
He added that removing alleged profits from fraudulent activity was central to disrupting criminal behaviour.
Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission Head of Crime Sharon Loder said asset recovery is key to deterring profit-driven crime.
She said,
“Recovery action also undermines the incentive for engaging in serious crimes for profit, and it restores public money so that much-needed services can continue to be provided to the community.”
An NDIA spokesperson said the agency is strengthening safeguards and working closely with partner agencies to detect and prevent fraud.
“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… every action we take is about protecting the NDIS for those who rely on it today and for future generations.”
Australian Taxation Office Assistant Commissioner Simon Hellmers said the taskforce is actively targeting misuse of government support systems.
“Through the collective efforts of government agencies, we will continue to disrupt and dismantle these fraudulent activities,” he said.
The Fraud Fusion Taskforce is a multi-agency body involving 24 agencies, co-led by the NDIA and Services Australia, focused on detecting serious and organised fraud against government programs. Investigations into Operation Benz remain ongoing.
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