Australian Police

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The Thin Blue Line – Australian Police

The Fraud Squad

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During 1930 a Section known as the Bogus Agents and Company Squad was formed at the Criminal Investigation Branch. Since its inauguration it has been generally known as the Company Squad, but on the 1st August, 1961, subsequent to a journey overseas by the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Detective Superintendent Walden, the actives of the section were reviewed and the Squad renamed the Fraud Squad.

The Fraud Squad grew from the establishment of two Detective Sergeants and four Detective Constables to that of 42 men under the directorship of Detective Inspector R. J. Holles, and his second in charge, Detective Sergeant 1st Class Bruce Durham.

In the early 1960’s New South Wales had been the target of a commercial growth explosion, in 1962 there were 40,000 registered companies and corporations operating as Auctioneers, Stock and Station Agents, Real Estate Agents, Business Agents, Business Sub-Agents, and Private Inquiry Agents. Any such company may be investigated by the Fraud Squad should evidence of fraud or fraudulent intent be found to exist.

Other Acts policed by the Squad included the Lay-by Sales Act, Sale of Goods Act, Trustee Act, Unauthorised Documents Act, Money Lenders and Infant Loans Act and the Credit Sales Agreement Act. The Squad also investigated conspiracies to defraud, involving Banking Companies and other similar organisations, offences where members of the general public are cheated or defrauded, and the doping of horses or other animals used for racing purposes.

In the mid 1960’s the Squad comprised of fifteen members, supervised by a senior Detective Sergeant. All members were experienced detectives with high scholastic attainments, specially chosen for their ability and aptitude in this type of investigation. In 1962 the Squad had as a member a barrister, Detective Sergeant A. W. Shaw, who was admitted to the Bar, it also had a qualified auditor and a general accountant.

6 thoughts on “The Fraud Squad

  • How can I find out if/or I am under investigation for suspicion of because of misprints of my name please.

    Reply
  • Mark Luchetti

    I was a Cadet at the Fraud Squad in 1972. I was 16 and had just left school, wow what an introduction to the NSW Police Force. Lots of great memories of Detectives Smith, Mooney, Stern, McDowell, Bent, Smyth, Saddler, Toohey. They would take me to the Jam Tin Hotel behind the old CIB most Friday afternoons.
    A great intro to 17 years in the NSW Police Force.

    Reply
  • Jason Osborne

    My Great Grandfather Walter Cecil Bertie Byrne was Chief of CIB Company Squad at the time of his death in 1950. My Grandma recalls he was given a full Police Funeral.

    Reply
    • Hi Jason,
      There are numerous articles on TROVE about your GGrandfather, and I have listed a few on his Memorial page at this link: https://www.australianpolice.com.au/walter-cecil-bertie-byrne/

      When you and your Grandma read the Memorial, I would love for you to send me a message to fill in the red question marks on his Memorial and also include any, and all, good quality photos that you may have of Walter.

      Regards

      Cal
      Retired NSWPF

      Reply
  • Helen Doherty

    To the Fraud Squad,
    My 93 year old mom has had a call from a Paul Senate from the Fraud squad, re some unauthorised transaction on her account. Is this at all possible or is this some fraudulent activity?
    Thanks
    Helen

    Response: Hi Helen,

    You wrote on AustralianPolice.com.au:

    To the Fraud Squad,
    My 93 year old mom has had a call from a Paul Senate from the Fraud squad, re some unauthorised transaction on her account. Is this at all possible or is this some fraudulent activity?
    Thanks
    Helen

    This website is not directly affiliated with NSW Police Force but if you phone the Police Assistance Line ( PAL ) on 131444 and ask for the Fraud Squad, they will transfer you to the unit BUT:

    Was the phone call actually from the Fraud Squad or from your mums local Detectives ?

    In any case, the PAL should be able to also tell you where Paul Senate is stationed – which might make it easier to locate him.

    regards

    Cal
    Retired NSWPF
    AustralianPolice.com.au

    Reply

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