Neha Sharma, a seemingly honest and hard-working property manager at Oranga Tamariki, found herself at the center of a scandal after conning the government agency out of over $2 million with her husband, Amandeep Sharma. Their deceitful scheme involved Divine Connection, a construction company owned by Amandeep, which received lucrative contracts through Neha’s position at Oranga Tamariki. Despite appearing as a dedicated government employee, Neha’s secret marriage to Divine Connection’s director posed a serious conflict of interest that she exploited to approve inflated invoices and secure jobs for the company.
The Scam Unveiled
Around eight months after Divine Connection was enlisted as a contractor for Oranga Tamariki, suspicions arose regarding the accuracy of its invoices. Neha, as the property and facilities manager, was confronted with discrepancies in the paperwork, leading to an internal investigation. It was later revealed that she had been using her position to manipulate the system in favor of her husband’s company, ensuring its success at the expense of taxpayer funds.
The Unraveling of Deceit
Following a raid by the Serious Fraud Office in March 2023, the Sharma couple’s fraudulent activities came to light, resulting in Neha’s imprisonment for three years for charges including deception and money laundering. Amandeep, who initially denied involvement, eventually pleaded guilty to similar offenses, shedding light on the full extent of their deceptive practices. The couple’s attempts to flee the country and liquidate their assets further emphasized the severity of their crimes.
Repercussions and Reforms
Oranga Tamariki and other government agencies involved in the case have since taken steps to enhance their internal controls and vetting processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The convictions of Neha and Amandeep Sharma serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and transparency in public service. While the majority of public servants carry out their duties with honesty, this case highlights the need for continuous vigilance against corruption and fraud within government organizations.