A man who worked with his public servant wife to fraudulently obtain $2.1 million from Oranga Tamariki has been given a sentence of home detention.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) filed charges of obtaining by deception and money laundering against Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma in June 2023, while Neha also faced charges of using a forged document.
Neha pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years imprisonment in May.
Amandeep Sharma also pleaded guilty, and was today sentenced in the Christchurch High Court to 12 months’ home detention.
As well as charges of obtaining by deception for fraudulently obtaining approximately $2.1 million from Oranga Tamariki, the pair pleaded guilty to money laundering — transferring just under $800,000 overseas once the offending was discovered and then immediately leaving New Zealand.
The money was obtained through Amandeep’s company, Divine Connection, without Oranga Tamariki knowing.
Neha also pleaded guilty to one representative charge of using a forged document. Neha used forged references to gain employment at Oranga Tamariki, and again at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency directly after leaving Oranga Tamariki.
SFO director Karen Chang said the pair “took advantage of her position of trust for their own financial gain”.
“Corrupt behaviour by public servants is a key focus for the SFO, and we are currently advancing initiatives that will strengthen the New Zealand public sector’s overall resilience to fraud and corruption.”
Divine Connection
The SFO filed charges against Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma in June 2023.
The SFO alleged that Neha provided false references to secure her role at Oranga Tamariki, where she managed aspects of properties in the Canterbury region, including maintenance, upkeep, and modifications.
Once in the role, Neha set up her husband’s company, Divine Connection, as a contractor without declaring a conflict of interest. She then ensured work was assigned to his company instead of other approved suppliers. In total, Oranga Tamariki paid Divine Connection just over $2 million.
Following her resignation from Oranga Tamariki, Neha applied for a job at Waka Kotahi. She again provided a false reference to get the new role.
The money laundering charges related to almost $800,000 transferred to overseas bank accounts in India. The Police Asset Recovery Unit, with co-operation from colleagues in India, had located and restrained these funds. Proceedings were underway to return them to New Zealand.
The High Court issued a restraining order over the couple’s properties in New Zealand on application by the Commissioner of Police, under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.
“We would like to acknowledge thepolice and Indian authorities for their swift action and assistance in securing the offender’s assets, as well as the co-operation of Oranga Tamariki and Waka Kotahi in the investigation,” Chang said.
