A 50-year-old man has been arrested on Wednesday following an investigation into a multi-million-dollar fraud against Surf Life Saving NSW.
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In March 2017, detectives from the State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad and Northern Beaches Police Area Command established Strike Force Splint to investigate the reported misappropriation of funds by a former senior employee of the charity organisation.
Following investigations, detectives arrested the man at 9am.
Detectives say the fraudulent activity spanned the decade from 2006 to 2016.
"It was complex and sustained," Detective Acting Superintendent Richard Puffett told reporters in Sydney.
"These people hold a position of trust and sometimes they exploit that. They are confident, brazen and good at what they do."
SLNSW reported the matter to police in early 2017 after noticing anomalies in its accounts.
The senior manager - who faces a significant jail term if found guilty - had resigned in mid-2016.
Det Act Supt Puffett said the scam against the "iconic organisation" involved the use of fraudulent invoices for vehicle sales and the setting up of a fake printing company
He said the 50-year-old had spent the funds on his lifestyle and assets.
Surf Life Saving NSW released a statement on Wednesday.
"Surf Life Saving NSW is awaiting the outcome of criminal proceedings involving a former senior member of staff who is alleged to have fraudulently obtained a large sum of money from the organisation before resigning in July 2016," it said.
"SLSNSW welcomes the charges laid today against the former senior manager, after cooperating with the NSW Police for the last three years with their investigations.
"Over the course of the investigation SLSNSW has kept members and stakeholders fully informed and we thank our members, partners and the community for their ongoing support during this difficult period.
"As this matter is now before the Court, SLSNSW is unable to provide additional comment at this time."
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