By Erin Pearson
A woman working for a VicRoads contractor has been accused of changing the details of traffic fines for her “criminal associates” for money after a police investigation discovered thousands of questionable fines, a court has been told.
Tyler Garth, 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with 292 offences, including misconduct in public office. It was alleged she falsified penalty notices connected to organised crime entities, including outlaw motorcycle gangs and Middle Eastern organised crime groups.
“At this stage we’ve established that up to 2500 fines have been affected,” Detective Senior Constable Rhett Killeen said. “Charges could potentially range into the thousands … These 292 charges only stem from two known criminal associates.”
Earlier, a police spokesperson revealed detectives had executed a warrant at a home in Greenvale on June 24, when electronic devices, cash, a samurai sword and drugs were seized.
It is now alleged Garth used her position to access information and then receive payment for falsifying names on penalty notices.
Killeen said all charges arose out of the same conduct, whereby the accused used her employment at a third-party government contractor, primarily dealing with fines enforcements, to falsify fine nominations and disclose protected VicRoads data to others.
Garth leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.Credit: Chris Hopkins
That job, he said, began in February 2023 and ended in July 2023 after her workplace was notified of the police investigation, which is continuing.
“These 292 charges stem from two known criminal associates’ mobile phones and messages … only in 2021,” Killeen said.
Garth faces charges including misconduct in public office, perverting the course of justice, obtaining financial advantage by deception, using identification information to commit an indictable offence, failing to provide information or assistance under warrant and possessing cannabis.
Earlier, detectives from Taskforce Echo said they had also arrested a second person as part of their investigation.
On July 4, a police spokesperson said detectives executed a warrant at a Westmeadows property and arrested a 22-year-old woman. She was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
Police said items seized while executing the warrant included electronic devices, an air rifle, a gel blaster firearm and nunchuks. “An 18-year-old Westmeadows man was arrested and interviewed in relation to the weapons and released pending further enquiries,” they said.
“Police have worked closely with Fines Victoria and the Department of Justice and Community Safety as part of this investigation and have also notified the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.
“The investigation remains ongoing and will also include those who have allegedly paid to have their fines nominated to someone else.”
Garth outside court.Credit: Chris Hopkins
On Thursday, Garth stood for the magistrate, with hands in pockets, as she was told the prosecution would be given extra time to compile evidence. She then changed her clothing before leaving the court. concealing her face with a scarf.
The case is expected to return to court on July 18 for Garth to apply to vary her bail conditions.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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