In a case that has captured international attention, Neha and Amandeep Sharma, an Indian-origin couple residing in Christchurch, New Zealand, have been implicated in a sophisticated fraud scheme amounting to over NZ$2 million (approximately ₹10.6 crore). The duo allegedly exploited Neha’s managerial position at Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s child welfare agency, to funnel government contracts to Amandeep’s company, Divine Connection Ltd.
Elaborate Deception Unveiled
Neha Sharma, 36, secured her role at Oranga Tamariki in 2021 using falsified references. Once in position, she manipulated internal systems to award maintenance contracts to Divine Connection Ltd., a company directed by her husband. To conceal their relationship, Neha misled colleagues, portraying Amandeep as an independent contractor. She even enlisted a friend to join the agency’s call center to steer jobs toward their company.
Over a span of 15 months, the couple orchestrated the approval of inflated invoices, some covering personal expenses, including a television for their home. The fraudulent activities came to light in late 2022 when internal audits raised concerns about questionable invoices and job assignments. Upon discovering that Divine Connection was registered to Neha’s home address, she abruptly resigned, alleging unfair targeting.
Flight and Legal Proceedings
Following a raid by New Zealand’s Serious Fraud Office in March 2023, which uncovered assets including three properties, vehicles, and liquid funds amounting to NZ$800,000 (approximately ₹4 crore), the Sharmas fled the country. They boarded a one-way business-class flight to Chennai, India, carrying 80 kilograms of luggage. Prior to their departure, they attempted to liquidate assets and falsely claimed to have dissolved their company.
Despite being under investigation, Neha managed to briefly secure another government position with the NZ Transport Agency using the same fraudulent references, with Amandeep posing as a referee during the hiring process.
Neha Sharma has since been sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to multiple charges, including obtaining by deception, money laundering, and using forged documents. Amandeep Sharma has also pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing in June.
Institutional Response
Oranga Tamariki CEO Andrew Bridgman described the incident as a “serious breach of public trust,” emphasizing that the agency acted swiftly once irregularities were detected and has since implemented stricter controls. The Ministry of Education, which had received the forged references, confirmed their inauthenticity and noted that Neha’s recruitment was handled by an external firm.
