Darwin Public Servant Charged With $18M NDIS Fraud on July 29

A 39-year-old Darwin public servant has been charged with using her government position to defraud the National Disability Insurance Scheme of millions of dollars. Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, who worked for the NT Department of Children and Families, allegedly referred vulnerable community members to an NDIS business she co-owned with 47-year-old Kingsley Ebelebe. The pair claimed over $28 million in NDIA funding since 2019, with roughly $18 million identified as suspicious.

How the alleged fraud worked

Ms Ebelebe used her position at the Department of Children and Families to refer vulnerable members of the community to an NDIS business she co-owned with Kingsley Ebelebe, according to the Australian Federal Police. The pair’s company claimed more than $28 million of NDIA funding through the scheme since 2019. Forensic analysis of devices seized during February raids on properties in Lee Point, Durack, and Yarrawonga linked Ms Ebelebe to the alleged offending.

Charges and court appearance

Ms Ebelebe was arrested on Tuesday and charged with five offences, including two Commonwealth charges of dishonestly obtaining NDIS information and dishonestly obtaining a gain from the NDIA. She also faces one count of corruption, one count of dishonestly obtaining a financial benefit, and one count of obtaining a benefit by deception under the NT Criminal Code. She appeared before Darwin Local Court on Wednesday and was granted bail on strict conditions to care for her children.

Co-accused already facing charges

Kingsley Ebelebe, 47, was arrested and charged in February with defrauding the NDIS of $5 million. He worked for the National Disability Insurance Agency and is currently on bail. The Fraud Fusion Taskforce, made up of 25 member agencies including the AFP and NDIA, began investigating the scheme in October 2025.

Department response and system review

The NT Department of Children and Families confirmed Ms Ebelebe has resigned from her position. Chief executive Brent Warren said the department acted immediately upon learning of the allegations and reviewed relevant referrals to ensure appropriate processes were followed. The department has strengthened its systems and practices to prevent similar conduct.

Final Thoughts

The case exposes how a government employee exploited her position to target vulnerable NDIS participants. With $18 million in suspicious claims identified, the charges signal heightened scrutiny of fraud within Australia’s disability support scheme.

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