prosecution | Case number: 221236

Neha Sharma and Amandeep Sharma

The Serious Fraud Office has filed charges of obtaining by deception and money laundering against former Oranga Tamariki (OT) employee Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma. Mrs Sharma also faces charges of using a forged document.

The charges relate to allegations that Mrs Sharma gave false references to secure her role, then worked with Mr Sharma to ensure contract work was assigned to his company over other approved suppliers. In total Oranga Tamariki paid Mr Sharma's company just over $2 million. Money laundering charges relate to almost $800,000 which was transferred to overseas bank accounts in India.

Case Timeline

• Jun 2023

  Amandeep Sharma appears in Christchurch District Court facing charges of obtaining by deception and money laundering. Neha Sharma is in India and a warrant has been issued for her arrest, however it will lie in court until the defendants' next scheduled appearance on 26 July 2023.

• Sep 2023

  Neha and Amandeep Sharma appear in the Christchurch District Court and plead not guilty to all charges.

• Sep 2024

  Trial scheduled to commence 8 September 2025