The director of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider has been charged with fraud involving millions of taxpayer dollars.
Allegations of Fraud and Money Laundering
Billal Chami, 31, is accused of laundering $3.6 million in cash allegedly obtained through fraudulent claims submitted to the NDIS. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that some of these claims involved instances where participants did not receive the support or services billed.
Authorities allege that between 2022 and 2025, Mr. Chami repeatedly withdrew substantial amounts of cash from various banks to facilitate the laundering of funds. A raid of his Villawood home in December reportedly uncovered $35,000 in cash hidden in an underwear drawer, as well as several air guns and gel blasters.
Mr. Chami appeared in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, where his bail was continued. As a condition of his bail, he is prohibited from contacting 26 individuals connected to the investigation.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Mr. Chami has been charged with one count of dealing with money reasonably suspected of being proceeds of an indictable crime, to the value of $1,000,000 or more. The maximum penalty for this offense is four years’ imprisonment.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has issued a notice of intention to ban Mr. Chami and his provider from participating in the scheme.
This arrest is part of a larger, coordinated national crackdown involving 333 search warrants executed across New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia. The AFP reports that these operations have yielded 43 terabytes of data for forensic investigation.
Mr. Chami is scheduled to return to court on March 24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program designed to provide funding for Australians with disability, helping them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
What prompted the investigation into Mr. Chami?
The investigation began after the Australian Security and Investments Commission (ASIC) detected anomalies with Mr. Chami’s finances in February last year.
What happens if Mr. Chami is banned from the NDIS?
If the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission proceeds with the ban, Mr. Chami and his provider would no longer be able to access NDIS funding or provide services to participants.
How might instances of alleged fraud like this impact public trust in vital social programs?
