During 1930 a Section known as the Bogus Agents and Company Squad
was formed at the Criminal Investigation Branch. Since its
inauguration it has been generally known as the Company Squad, but
on the 1st August, 1961, subsequent to a journey overseas by the
Chief of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Detective Superintendent
Walden, the actives of the section were reviewed and the Squad
renamed the Fraud Squad.
The Fraud Squad grew from the establishment of two Detective
Sergeants and four Detective Constables to that of 42 men under the
directorship of Detective Inspector R. J. Holles, and his second in
charge, Detective Sergeant 1st Class Bruce Durham.
In the early 1960's New South Wales had been the target of a
commercial growth explosion, in 1962 there were 40,000 registered
companies and corporations operating as Auctioneers, Stock and
Station Agents, Real Estate Agents, Business Agents, Business
Sub-Agents, and Private Inquiry Agents. Any such company may be
investigated by the Fraud Squad should evidence of fraud or
fraudulent intent be found to exist.
Other Acts policed by the
Squad included the Lay-by Sales Act, Sale of Goods Act, Trustee Act,
Unauthorised Documents Act, Money Lenders and Infant Loans Act and
the Credit Sales Agreement Act. The Squad also investigated
conspiracies to defraud, involving Banking Companies and other
similar organisations, offences where members of the general public
are cheated or defrauded, and the doping of horses or other animals
used for racing purposes.
In the mid 1960's the Squad comprised of
fifteen members, supervised by a senior Detective Sergeant. All
members were experienced detectives with high scholastic
attainments, specially chosen for their ability and aptitude in this
type of investigation. In 1962 the Squad had as a member a
barrister, Detective Sergeant A. W. Shaw, who was admitted to the
Bar, it also had a qualified auditor and a general accountant.
