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Wednesday May 22, 2013

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Embattled MP Craig Thomson arrested

Posted by: Michael James | 31 January, 2013 - 1:20 PM
Suspended Labor MP Craig Thomson. <i>(Nick Moir)</i>

Embattled MP Craig Thomson has been granted bail following his arrest on Thursday afternoon.

NSW fraud squad executed the arrest warrant on behalf of the Victorian Fraud and extortion squad following investigations into allegations of fraud committed against the Health Services Union.

The Age report that Victorian detectives flew to Sydney on Thursday morning where they accompanied NSW police to Mr Thomson's electoral office on the NSW Central Coast.

In a statement, NSW Police confirmed a 48-year-old man was arrested at an address in Tuggerah around 1pm.

"He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he is expected to be charged by virtue of the arrest warrant with a fraud offence," NSW Police said.

"It is expected he will go before Wyong Local Court where a further 149 fraud charges are to be laid."

It is understood Thomson will face court in Victoria next week.

LISTEN BELOW: Thomson's lawyer Chris McArdle speaks w/ Tom Elliott.

Meanwhile Mr Thomson 's lawyer Chris McArdle has accused police of being overly heavy-handed with his client.

"Why would you need 5 officers present to arrest someone for a $300 charge on a credit card. What were they not doing if they were doing that today?," he said on Sky News.

"If I get the mix correct it was 2 (Officers) from Victoria and 3 from NSW. Why didn't you just have one of each? What were the other 3 doing there? Handing out press releases?"

McArdle was clearly frustrated at the way in which the arrest was handled by Police telling the reporter "Channel 7 have had a camera crew outside his house and his office since about 7 o'clock this morning,"

"Channel 7 knew at 7 o'clock this morning. How come Craig Thomson, that is that target, didn't know until 1 o'clock this afternon?"

"Who told Channel 7? It's the same scandal as last time. Police Media told..." he said before being cut-off.

STATEMENT FROM VICTORIA POLICE:

 

New South Wales Fraud Squad detectives acting on behalf of the Victoria Police Fraud and Extortion Squad have arrested a 48-year-old man in New South Wales today as part of an ongoing investigation.

He was arrested at a property in Tuggerah Lakes about 1pm. 

The man is currently assisting police with their enquiries.


STATEMENT FROM NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE:

 

A man wanted in Victoria on fraud offences has been arrested on the NSW Central Coast by officers from State Crime Command’s Fraud and Cybercrime Squad.

An arrest warrant had been issued for the 48-year-old man by Victorian authorities following investigations into allegations of fraud committed against the Health Services Union.

About 1pm today (Thursday 31 January 2013), detectives attached to Strike Force Carnarvon arrested the man at an address in Tuggerah.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he is expected to be charged by virtue of the arrest warrant with a fraud offence.

It is expected he will go before Wyong Local Court where a further 149 fraud charges are to be laid.

It is anticipated that Victorian detectives will apply for the man’s extradition to Victoria.

LISTEN HERE: Craig Thomson 's lawyer Chris McArdle speaks with Tom Elliott

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Blog comments Your Say

  • Government should sack Craig Thomson immadiate. He was the one signed, cerified and approval for all payments. He has duties to check all payments accruals to him. He seemed didn't do his job properly :(

    winnie Sunday 3 February, 2013 - 7:19 PM

  • Maybe a reporter can ask who is paying for his defense this time?
    It shouldnt be the tax payer!!

    Mike F Sunday 3 February, 2013 - 12:14 PM

  • @Sinbad - it appears the grub has convinced himself he did no wrong - a meglomaniac it seems. I hope the court case is not delayed with the grub taking advantage of the Constitition which permits a politician only to not attend court when the national coward's castle is sitting! Justice delayed is justice denied remember, and we citizens would not like to see that happen to this unhappy chappy would we?

    Luigi T Cassimatis Sunday 3 February, 2013 - 8:21 AM

  • ivan@kinnane, what should they have done with serial shop lifter, Lib. Sen. Mary Jo Fisher after she was charged, tried and found guilty, then?

    James W Friday 1 February, 2013 - 5:24 PM

  • Thomson doesn't deserve natural justice. Lynch him - he is worse than a horse thief!

    ivan@kinnane Friday 1 February, 2013 - 4:33 PM

  • Now Gillard will cause a long long delay with this boofhead's court case using the section of the Constitution that allows a politician charged with a criminal offence NOT to attend court when their Coward's Castle in country town Canberra is sitting. Dear oh bloody well dear and so the rot goes on and on.

    Sandra M Friday 1 February, 2013 - 11:22 AM

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