Two people have been sentenced to more than eight years’ combined prison time over fraud against the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

A Sydney woman has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception and Dealing in the Proceeds of Crime.

The 67-year-old woman will also be forced to pay back almost $250,000 after the NDIA supported NSW Police in developing evidence following her arrest last year.

Her sentence came on the same day a 24-year-old man, also from Sydney, was sentenced to serve three years in prison over a separate matter which involved a six-person criminal syndicate claiming more than $10 million in NDIS funding.

“This should be a warning to people looking to rip off the NDIS,” Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP said.

“The recent establishment of the Fraud Fusion Taskforce allows the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to partner closely with other Government agencies, and strengthens the ability to catch people looking to fraudulently obtain money from the NDIS.”

The new Fraud Fusion Taskforce continues to investigate potential fraud against the NDIS, with recent investigations in Melbourne and Sydney. Those actions follow recent charges laid against the director of a disability provider in Perth.

Minister Shorten said the Taskforce signalled a determination to protect the NDIS by catching people looking to siphon funding intended for people living with disability.

“This Taskforce has resources right across the country, which means an increased capacity to investigate and prosecute anyone looking to rip off the NDIS,” Minister Shorten said.

“Our participants and their families should feel assured that the Government will continue doing everything in its power to protect the Scheme.”

Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717, or email [email protected]