Archive · 20 May 2025
NZ Fraud: Indian-Origin Couple's Scheme Costs Over $2M
An Indian-origin couple in New Zealand, Neha and Amandeep Sharma, swindled over $2 million from a government agency where Neha worked.
She used her position to favor her husband's company.
They kept their marriage and the scam secret.
When caught, they fled to Chennai in business class and tried to move their money.
Neha was jailed for three years.
She blamed "baby brain", but prosecutors saw no remorse.
Amandeep pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
An Indian-origin couple defrauded a New Zealand government agency of over $2 million.
Neha Sharma, an agency manager, used her position to benefit her husband, Amandeep Sharma.
The couple booked business class tickets to Chennai after the fraud was discovered.
Neha Sharma received a three-year prison sentence.
Amandeep Sharma pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing in June for his role in the fraud scheme. They tried to hide their assets and planned to retire at 35!
- Who
- Amandeep Sharma and Neha Sharma.
- What
- An Indian-origin couple committed fraud against a New Zealand government agency.
- When
- The fraud occurred from July 2021 to October 2022.
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- Neha Sharma used her position to funnel money to her husband's company.
Neha Sharma's Defense
Prosecutors
Neha Sharma's Accountability
Neha Sharma's Defense
Neha Sharma attributed her actions to "baby brain."
Prosecutors
Prosecutors found no evidence of remorse or offers of reparation.
- Fraud Amount
- Exceeding $2 million
- Neha's Role
- Neha Sharma was a manager at Oranga Tamariki
- Amandeep's Role
- Director of Divine Connection, a contractor with the agency
- Contractor Status
- Secretly added to the agency's list of contractors
- Neha's Sentence
- Three years
- Amandeep's Plea
- Guilty, awaiting sentencing in June
- Flight Destination
- Business class to Chennai
