By Deanne Jeffers
DETECTIVES from Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit have arrested six men following the execution of several search warrants across Shepparton on Wednesday, June 17.
The arrests are part of an investigation into alleged fraudulent conduct involving a council and a Shepparton business between 2022 and 2026.
The men, aged between 36 and 55, were interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.
In a statement, Greater Shepparton City Council confirmed that a small number of Council employees were involved in the police inquiry and said the matter had been referred to Victoria Police by the Council itself.
Council identified concerns
Council said it identified concerns through its internal governance and financial processes before deciding to refer the matter to police, describing the decision as consistent with its obligations and commitment to accountability and transparency.
“As this is now a police matter, Council is not in a position to make any further statements at this time,” the statement said.
Council said it remained focused on supporting the Greater Shepparton community and upholding the high standards of conduct expected by the community.
Victoria Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Seven men arrested – Updated, July 8
Since The Adviser made enquiries to Victoria Police regarding this matter on July 1, authorities have updated their statement to say that a seventh man was arrested in relation to alleged fraud in the Greater Shepparton area.
The men aged 55, 54, 52, 50, 45, 41 and 36 have been interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Council issues clarification – Updated, July 9:
Greater Shepparton City Council wishes to clarify the concerns that led to the referral of this matter to authorities.
CEO Fiona Le Gassick said that the concerns were identified by Council in 2025 through its internal governance and financial processes.
“Council subsequently launched an internal investigation, the findings of which led to notification of Victoria Police,” Ms Le Gassick said.
Victoria Police have said that the arrests are part of an investigation into alleged fraudulent conduct which occured between 2022 and 2026, involving Council and a Shepparton business.
The Adviser sought further clarification regarding the timeline, what actions were taken against any involved staff members and how many staff were amongst the arrests, to which Council said it could not provide any further information as it is now a police matter.
