Neha Sharma, a 36-year-old Christchurch resident and property manager at New Zealand’s child welfare agency Oranga Tamariki, used her position to funnel over NZ$2 million (₹10.6 crore) in government contracts to her husband Amandeep Sharma’s firm, Divine Connection Ltd. The couple’s elaborate scheme involved manipulating internal systems, using forged documents, and misleading colleagues about their relationship.
Neha had secured the job in 2021 using fake references and soon added Divine Connection to the approved contractor list. Over 15 months, she oversaw inflated invoices and approved projects not even on the agency’s sanctioned list—all while concealing her husband’s direct interest in the firm.
Conflict, Collapse, and Cover-Ups
As suspicion grew in late 2022 due to questionable invoices, the agency discovered Amandeep’s company was registered at Neha’s home. She abruptly resigned, claiming she was being “unfairly targeted.” The couple then altered official company documents, replacing Amandeep’s name with that of an acquaintance unaware of the scheme.
ALSO READ: Attention Startups! Showcase Your Smart Policing Solutions on India’s Biggest Stage
The Serious Fraud Office launched a criminal probe and raided their home in March 2023, uncovering properties, cars, and liquid assets worth NZ$800,000 (₹4 crore). Much of it was allegedly funneled to India.
Business-Class Getaway and Arrest Fallout
Just weeks after the raid, the couple boarded a one-way business-class flight to Chennai, carrying 80 kg of luggage and claiming to have dissolved their company. Neha, despite being under investigation, briefly secured a second government job using the same fake references, with Amandeep posing as a referee.
She has now been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to charges including deception, money laundering, and forgery. Amandeep awaits sentencing in June. During court hearings, Neha blamed her conduct on “baby brain” and has shown no intention of repaying the funds.
