Disability service suspects fraud

genU has reported suspicions of fraudulent activity. (Photo by Jena Carr)

A Geelong-based disability service provider has notified the police after the organisation raised suspicions of possible financial fraud.

genU notified Victoria Police of the suspected fraud offence targeting the profit-for-purpose organisation’s finances this week.

genU chief executive officer Clare Amies said the organisation had referred the matter to police following an initial internal investigation triggered by suspicious activity.

“I want to assure our many clients, their families and carers that this activity does not in any way involve or compromise our services or service delivery, NDIS payments, or personal information,” she said.

Ms Amies said the discovery and any subsequent police investigation would not restrict genU’s services.

“We remain as committed to our clients, staff and partners as we have ever been, and this will not in any way impact our ongoing day-to-day service delivery or disadvantage clients,” she said.

Mrs Amies said she felt terrible that the situation had occurred and that Victoria Police would work to determine the time frame of the alleged offence, as well as the significance of the issue.

“Following our own investigations, I have informed relevant Federal and State government agencies and referred the matter to Victoria Police,” she said.

“genU stands ready to assist police in whatever capacity we can to aid their inquiries.

“While no organisation likes dealing with such scenarios, it gives me heart that genU does so knowing we have at our core great people who turn up every single day for the sole purpose of making the lives of our clients better.”

genU was unable to provide further comments or information due to the matter now being part of a Victoria Police investigation.