Indian-origin couple admit $2 mn fraud in New Zealand, attempted to flee

An Indian-origin couple in New Zealand has admitted to defrauding Oranga Tamariki – NZ government agency for well-being of children at risk of harm, youth offenders, and children – of over $2 million in a serious financial crime that involved deception, money laundering, and forged documents.

Neha Sharma , a former Property and Facilities Manager at Oranga Tamariki, has already been sentenced to three years in prison. Her husband, Amandeep Sharma, has also now admitted his role in the scheme and is set to be sentenced on June 19.

According to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Neha Sharma used forged references to gain employment at Oranga Tamariki and later at Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency. While at Oranga Tamariki, she fraudulently directed contracts worth over $2 million to her husband’s company, Divine Connection, without disclosing their relationship.

Couple flees to Chennai

When the fraud was discovered, the couple transferred nearly $8,00,000 to Indian bank accounts and fled to Chennai. They have since been tracked down, and the Police Asset Recovery Unit, with help from Indian authorities, has frozen their overseas funds and is working to recover the stolen money.

Neha Sharma is currently serving her sentence in a mothers’ and babies’ unit. Prosecutors have noted she has shown no remorse or intent to repay the stolen funds. A restraining order has also been issued on their New Zealand properties under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.