Northern Territory Police have arrested and charged a 56-year-old Melbourne male overnight following an investigation into identity fraud.

Deputy Commissioner Mark Payne said the man was arrested in the Darwin CBD yesterday after he allegedly falsified documents in a bid to obtain a passport under a new identification.

“The man was charged with knowingly uttering forged documents. He was refused bail to appear in Darwin Magistrates Court today.

“This is a significant arrest for Northern Territory Police. We are determined to stamp out identity fraud by individuals and syndicates from interstate.

“It is well documented that identity fraud is an ongoing issue within Australia with recent estimates by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department indicating that identity crime costs Australia upwards of $1.6 billion each year.

“In a joint operation with the Australian Federal Police, NT Police have identified more than 30 individuals who have travelled to the Territory since November 2007 for the purpose of changing their name using fraudulent documentation.

“Will we continue to work alongside other agencies to target and disrupt those who deceive and profit from identity fraud,” said Deputy Commissioner Payne

Investigations are ongoing.