Joshua Gilfedder pleaded guilty to three charges of accessing a computer system, using forged documents and altering documents with intent to deceive. Photo: RNZ
An Auckland man who fraudulently applied for thousands of dollars in grants from a gambling trust has been sentenced to six months' home detention.
Joshua Gilfedder pleaded guilty to three charges at Auckland District Court, accessing a computer system, using forged documents and altering documents with intent to deceive.
A Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) investigation found that between April and July 2023, Gilfedder had impersonated two community organisations to apply for $73,000 in grants through Aotearoa Gaming Trust's online portal.
The trust had declined the applications and filed a complaint to the DIA.
The DIA's director of gambling, Vicki Scott, said Gilfedder also forged documents to give the impression he held management roles in the community organisations.
"The community grants system is an integral part of the class 4 (pokies) system. Deliberate attempts to manipulate that system for personal gain will not be tolerated," Scott said.
"Our goal is to make sure grant funding goes to the genuine communities and organisations who need it, not into the pockets of criminals. We take the integrity of the grants process very seriously."
She said electronic devices seized during a search warrant at Gilfedder's home revealed evidence of the offending.
"We investigate all forms of gambling-related criminal offending, and we will continue to hold people to account where we see unlawful behaviour."
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