Regarding NDIS even grok can pull together the following when asked for top 10 egregious examples of fraud: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia has been targeted by numerous fraudulent activities in recent years, with criminals exploiting vulnerabilities to defraud the scheme of millions. Below is a list of 10 notable NDIS scams or fraud cases from the last few years, based on available information from web sources and posts on X. These cases are among the most egregious due to their scale, impact on vulnerable participants, or the sophistication of the criminal activity involved. Note that specific details may be limited to protect ongoing investigations or due to incomplete public records, and not all cases have been ranked by severity due to varying metrics of “egregiousness.” Cases are presented in no particular order.

1 Western Sydney Syndicate Fraud ($10 Million, 2021)
A syndicate of six individuals, including alleged ringleaders Mohammed Sallam, Noura Bader, and Muath Sallam, was charged with defrauding the NDIS of up to $10 million over four years (2017–2021). Operating through three fraudulent NDIS providers, they allegedly submitted inflated invoices and worked with families to exaggerate disabilities for extra funding. Police seized over $2 million in assets, including $600,000 in gold bullion, cash, and luxury cars. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched Operation Pegasus in December 2020 to uncover this scheme.

2 Multimillion-Dollar Fraud and ATO Scam ($5.8 Million, 2024)
Three individuals from New South Wales were sentenced to a combined 12 years and 10 months in prison in October 2024 for defrauding the NDIS and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) of $5.8 million. The syndicate, uncovered through Operation Pegasus, operated three companies submitting false claims, including for non-disabled individuals using fake medical reports. They also exploited the GST regime to defraud the ATO. Assets seized included 8 kilograms of gold bullion ($600,000), $630,000 in cryptocurrency, and luxury vehicles like a BMW M3 and Porsche Cayenne.

3 $1.1 Million Fraud by Five-Person Group (2023)
The AFP arrested five individuals who allegedly stole $1.1 million from the NDIS by managing the affairs of 70 participants. They established three registered NDIS providers and submitted over-inflated invoices or claimed for services never provided. This group faced charges with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison. The case highlighted sophisticated organized crime targeting vulnerable participants.

4 Merrylands Man’s $10 Million Fraud Involvement (2022)
A 24-year-old man from Merrylands, NSW, was sentenced to three years in prison in December 2022 for his role in a Western Sydney crime syndicate defrauding the NDIS of over $10 million. Part of Operation Pegasus, he facilitated the withdrawal of $2,197,050 in illicit funds through three companies submitting false claims. This case was notable for its scale and the impact on NDIS funding meant for vulnerable Australians.

5 $1 Million Fraud in One Month (2024)
A disability provider, allegedly linked to a broader criminal network, was accused of billing $1 million in fraudulent NDIS claims in just 30 days in March 2024. The provider used coercive tactics to involve legitimate NDIS participants and operated under 50 separate ABNs to charge for fake services. A notebook detailing $940,632 in claims, including a $496,000 single transaction, was uncovered. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten emphasized that this case could lead to permanent bans for dozens of providers.

6 Mohamed Osman Omar’s $370,000 Fraud (2018, Sentenced Pre-2022)
Mohamed Osman Omar, a registered NDIS provider, was sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding the NDIS of over $370,000 between June and August 2018, with attempts to obtain an additional $85,000. He accessed 230 participant accounts and submitted 392 payment requests for non-existent services, using the funds to purchase luxury items like a BMW, Toyota Hilux, and expensive watches. This was one of the first cases prosecuted by the NDIS Fraud Taskforce, established in 2018.

7 $3.3 Million Fraud by Three Men (2023)
Three men, known to each other, were charged with defrauding the NDIS of $3.3 million by setting up or acquiring businesses as disability providers and submitting false claims for services never provided. The AFP executed search warrants in Western Sydney in February 2023 under the Fraud Fusion Taskforce. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten issued a strong warning against such fraud, highlighting the government’s crackdown efforts.

8 Operation Apus: $1.5 Million Fraud (2020)
Two individuals from Lurnea, NSW, were jailed for a combined 9 years and 6 months in September 2020 for defrauding the NDIS of $1.5 million. Part of an organized crime syndicate uncovered by Operation Apus, they submitted fraudulent claims against NDIS participants’ plans. Assets forfeited included luxury vehicles and a property in Goulburn, NSW. This case underscored the NDIA’s zero-tolerance policy toward fraud.

9 Jaideep and Harmeet Singh’s Alleged $40 Million Fraud (2025)
An X post highlighted allegations against Jaideep and Harmeet Singh, who reportedly stole $40 million from the NDIS, using the funds to purchase 36 properties and luxury cars. While not detailed in web sources, this case, if verified, would be among the largest NDIS frauds due to its scale and audacity. The post criticized government oversight, suggesting systemic issues enabled such fraud. Note: This case requires further verification as it relies solely on an X post.

10 Muhammad Latif’s $50 Million Fraud Allegations (2025)
Muhammad Latif, a banned NDIS provider, allegedly ran a company claiming $50 million annually in taxpayer funds. Court papers claimed his company made fraudulent claims for prisoners and deceased individuals. This case, reported on X, highlighted significant security breaches, including allegations of overseas actors (e.g., in Pakistan) accessing NDIS portals using Australian staff logins. The scale of the alleged fraud and its implications for NDIS integrity make it notable, though further evidence is needed to confirm details.

Additional Context and Notes

• Fraud Fusion Taskforce Impact: Established in November 2022, the Taskforce, co-led by the NDIA and Services Australia, has investigated over 100 cases involving more than $1 billion in NDIS funding, with 184 active investigations by January 2025. It has executed raids, applied payment locks to nearly 1,000 providers, and led to significant prosecutions.

• Common Tactics: Fraudsters often use inflated invoices, claim for non-delivered services, manipulate participants to access funds, or set up shell companies. Some exploit participants by coercing them into handing over cash for drugs or luxury items.

• Systemic Issues: Reports suggest up to 5% of the NDIS’s $42 billion budget ($2 billion) is misused annually, with organized crime syndicates targeting the scheme. Weak provider oversight and participant vulnerabilities contribute to fraud.

• Reporting Fraud: Suspected NDIS fraud can be reported to the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline at 1800 650 717 or via email at fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au.

Limitations

• Not all cases have complete public details due to ongoing legal proceedings or limited media coverage.

• Some cases (e.g., those from X posts) lack corroboration from official sources and should be treated cautiously.

• The list focuses on large-scale or high-profile frauds but may miss smaller, equally harmful scams affecting individual participants.

• Exact rankings of “egregiousness” are subjective; cases were selected based on financial scale, participant harm, or public attention.