The Crime and Corruption Commission have charged four men with fraud and money-laundering offences following an 18-month investigation into a Brisbane-based law firm.
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On Sunday, the CCC and Queensland Police executed search warrants at residential addresses across Brisbane as part of the investigation named Operation Stockade.
It is alleged some of the men charged were involved in serious fraud offences against Legal Aid to the value of about $340,000 and failing to comply with the Legal Profession Act 2007 in relation to the requirement to deposit over $750,000 into a trust account.
It is also alleged the men laundered the proceeds of serious criminal offences.
A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated fraud, fraudulent falsification of records and aggravated money laundering.
The Tarragindi man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 18.
A 30-year-old Inala man who was arrested and charged with aggravated fraud and money laundering was remanded in custody and due to appear at the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Monday.
A 30-year-old Alderley man and a 28-year-old Wynnum man were also arrested and each charged with aggravated fraud.
They were both given bail and are due to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 19.
CCC chairman Alan MacSporran QC said the investigation had focused on individuals who had allegedly facilitated and supported serious and organised crime.
"The fact some of these allegations relate to individuals involved in the legal progression is concerning," he said.
"Any fraud committed on Legal Aid Queensland is in my view a fraud on Queensland tax-payers and it has the potential to interfere with the administration of justice.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
