NRI Couple Convicted in $2 Million Fraud Case Against New Zealand Government

Los Angeles/ May 20, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

NRI Neha Sharma (née Chandrasekaran), a former Property and Facilities Manager at Oranga Tamariki, has been sentenced to three years in prison for her involvement in a significant fraud case. Her husband, NRI Amandeep Sharma, has also admitted guilt, and his sentencing is scheduled for June 19.

The couple pleaded guilty to charges of deception after illegally obtaining over NZD 2 million through Amandeep Sharma’s business, Divine Connection, without the knowledge of Oranga Tamariki. The money was funneled through this company during Neha Sharma’s time in her managerial role.

They also admitted to laundering nearly $800,000, which was transferred to bank accounts overseas — primarily in India — after the fraud came to light. The couple then abruptly left New Zealand.

In addition, Neha Sharma was convicted of using forged documents. She submitted falsified reference letters to secure her position at Oranga Tamariki and later used similar documents to gain employment at Waka Kotahi after her resignation from the former.

Karen Chang, Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), emphasized the importance of the convictions. “This case underlines the severe consequences of exploiting public sector roles for personal enrichment,” she said. “Such conduct not only undermines trust in our public institutions but also damages New Zealand’s global reputation for transparency and safety.”

The SFO filed charges against the Sharmas in June 2023, asserting that Neha Sharma used fake references to obtain her role at Oranga Tamariki. In her capacity there, she oversaw property-related services in the Canterbury region, including maintenance and renovations.

While in the role, Sharma arranged for her husband’s business to be hired as a contractor, bypassing disclosure requirements and approved vendor protocols. Over time, Oranga Tamariki unknowingly paid more than $2 million to Divine Connection.
After resigning, she repeated her pattern of deception to secure a position at Waka Kotahi, again using a falsified reference.

The money laundering charges concern close to $800,000 transferred to India. Thanks to collaboration between New Zealand Police and Indian authorities, those funds have been located and frozen. Efforts are underway to recover and repatriate them.

The High Court has also issued a restraining order on the couple’s New Zealand properties under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, following a request by the Police Commissioner.

Ms. Chang. Said:
“We appreciate the prompt cooperation from law enforcement in India and the support of Oranga Tamariki and Waka Kotahi throughout the investigation.”

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