ello (@piers)

FYI: Ebelebe is a name of Nigerian origin (source: AI) +++ "A #Darwin public servant has been charged over allegedly defrauding $5 million from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) following federal police raids across the city yesterday. Kingsley Ebelebe, 47, a National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) employee, allegedly used his position to refer vulnerable members of the community to a NDIS provider business he co-owned. "The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Fraud Fusion Taskforce had been investigating Mr Ebelebe since October 2025, and executed search warrants at a Lee Point residence, a Durack business and Yarrawonga businesses yesterday. "During the searches, #AFP investigators seized documents and electronic devices, including laptops, which will be subject to further digital forensic examination. The AFP alleged Mr Ebelebe's business had claimed more than $28 million from NDIS funding since 2019, with about $5 million of the claims identified as suspicious. "Mr Ebelebe faced Darwin Local Court on Thursday, charged with obtaining a financial advantage by deception, abuse of public office, unauthorised use or disclosure of protected agency information, and two counts of general dishonesty causing a loss. "Prosecutor Ingrid Ibbett told the court the prosecution 'anticipated there will be a large brief of evidence'. "Judge Steven Ledek released Mr Ebelebe with strict bail conditions, including that he not leave the NT or even approach the airport. He ordered Mr Ebelebe to surrender his passport, not to use or possess more than one phone and not to use encrypted apps. "Judge Ledek also said Mr Ebelebe was not to communicate with clients and must 'cease all business activity in relation to the NDIS and Truelink Community Services'. "[...] A spokesperson from the NDIA's Fraud Fusion Taskforce and Integrity Capability Division said abusing access or authority within the #NDIA was a serious crime. The NDIA has disrupted more than 2,500 NDIS providers with a pattern of incorrect or non-compliant claims since the Fraud Fusion Taskforce was created in November 2022. "The AFP said investigations into the matter were ongoing." Oliver Chaseling, ABC https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-19/darwin-ndia-employee-arrested-for-alleged-5m-ndis-fraud/106361742