Auckland cop facing criminal charge after alleged Covid-19 wage fraud

The officer resigned and paid back the money during the investigation, and was charged by police. Photo / NZPA

A 25-year-old Auckland man facing criminal charges after he allegedly - while working as a cop - fraudulently obtained the Covid-19 wage subsidy for employees who later denied working for him.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of a police investigation it oversaw in relation to the officer.

The IPCA said an officer in the Counties Manukau district allegedly fraudulently applied for the wage subsidy from the Ministry of Social Development in relation to his secondary employment which was his own business.

“The officer claimed he had employees and needed the subsidy to pay them,” the IPCA said.

“The people he claimed to be employees were spoken to and denied working for the officer.”

The officer resigned and paid back the money during the investigation.

However, he was still charged.

Relieving Counties Manukau District Commander Inspector Matt Srhoj said the 25-year-old had been charged with using a document for a pecuniary advantage.

“As the matter is still before the Auckland District Court, Police cannot comment further,” Srhoj said.

The IPCA agreed with the police decision to charge the officer.