Authorities have arrested seven men, including employees of the Greater Shepparton City Council, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent conduct in northern Victoria.
Victoria Police confirmed that detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit carried out several search warrants in Shepparton on June 17, leading to the arrests. The investigation relates to alleged fraudulent activities involving a council and a local business between 2022 and 2026.
The seven men, aged between 36 and 55, were taken into custody and interviewed by investigators before being released pending further enquiries. Police have stated that the investigation remains active, and no charges have been announced at this stage.
Greater Shepparton City Council said it referred the matter to Victoria Police after internal processes identified concerns regarding the alleged conduct of employees. The council said it is cooperating fully with investigators and is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Police have not disclosed the identities of the men arrested or provided further details about the nature or value of the alleged fraud, citing the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention across the region, with local authorities continuing to work alongside investigators as inquiries progress. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to determine whether criminal charges will be laid against any of those involved.
