A former St George banker accused of serious and repeated fraud totaling at least $590,000 sobbed as she was granted bail to return home to her newborn twin daughters and toddler son.
Sara Daizli was granted strict bail in the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday, three weeks after she was arrested over 127 fraud related offences.
The 30-year-old gave birth to premature twins three weeks before her arrest, and was clearly emotional when confronted with the reality of them growing up without her.
The mother-of-four, who appeared via video link from Silverwater jail in her prison greens, wiped away tears the moment her lawyer David Dalton mentioned the twins.
She sobbed as Mr Dalton told the court her two-year-old was ‘suffering terribly’ in her absence, while custody for her eldest son was temporarily granted to his biological father.
Daizli appeared downcast throughout the proceedings, frequently putting her head in her hands and wiping tears from her cheeks
She sobbed as Mr Dalton told the court her two-year-old was ‘suffering terribly’ in her absence, while custody for her eldest son was temporarily granted to his biological father
Daizli’s husband, who is unable to work while he cares for their three children, is convicted drug dealer David Sukkar, who was previously sentenced to more than 20 years in prison in Western Australia.
Sukkar is on parole for ‘very serious’ drug importation matters that date back several years, and there was some confusion in court on Tuesday as to where he was living.
The court heard Sukkar is struggling to manage the three children alone and is ‘in a traumatic state’.
‘The two-year-old is very upset… it’s having detrimental effect on his wellbeing,’ the court heard.
Sukkar provided an affidavit to the court detailing how difficult it is to raise the three children without their mother, who was the primary carer before her arrest on October 7.
Daizli’s husband David Sukkar (pictured centre together) is on parole for separate ‘very serious’ drug importation matters that date back several years, and there was some confusion in court on Tuesday as to where he was living
Sara Daizli has spent the last three weeks in Silverwater prison accused of 127 fraud related offences
Justice Julia Lonergan expressed concerns Daizli could commit serious offences if she were granted bail, given some of the charges relate to matters that allegedly took place while she was under court orders.
The crown opposed bail on the basis of Daizli’s ‘audacious’ alleged offending.
Ultimately, Justice Lonergan determined Daizli’s personal circumstances – and low risk of trying to flee – strong enough reasoning to grant bail.
Three separate sureties were posted – a $1million cash sum from her brother-in-law, $50,000 from a friend and the deed to an apartment the couple own in Liverpool worth approximately $550,000.
Daizli will be required to report to Sutherland police station daily, and must appear in person at her next court date in November.
‘She wishes to be able to feed, attend and bond with those now five week old baby daughters,’ Justice Lonergan said. ‘It’s a particularly pressing combination of circumstances.’
Daizli has indicated she will defend the charges, and a trial date could be as far away as late 2023.
The court heard even if she were to be found guilty of just half the charges, she would likely face a custodial sentence.
‘It’s not everything that it seems,’ Mr Dalton said in relation to the strength of the crown case.
‘[Daizli] can justify from legitimate sources all the funds that have gone through her accounts in relation to the original allegations.’
Daizli appeared downcast throughout the proceedings, frequently putting her head in her hands and wiping tears from her cheeks.
The mother-of-four is facing a total of 127 fraud-related offences, including 72 counts of possession of false document to obtain financial advantage and 26 counts of possessing information to commit an indictable offence.
Other charges include dealing with identity info to commit, an indictable offence, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.
Police will allege in court Daizli used fraudulent documentation to submit false loan applications and launder money to the value of $550,000.
Ultimately, Justice Lonergan determined Daizli’s personal circumstances – and low risk of trying to flee – strong enough reasoning to grant bail
Daizli was first arrested in December 2020 (pictured) after a seven month investigation
Three men were also arrested along with Daizli in early October, when police seized $400,000 cash, documents and electronic items.
A Heckenberg man, 27, was charged with 40 offences while a second man, 37, from nearby Liverpool was hit with 34 offences.
Police will allege both men used their employment as accountants to submit fraudulent tax documents on behalf of the syndicate for a financial gain.
A man, 53, from Kangaroo Point was charged with 33 offences.
Police will allege the former bank manager facilitated the use of fraudulent documentation submitted by the syndicate to obtain loans.
Daizli has indicated she will defend the charges, and a trial date could be as far away as late 2023
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said investigations into the alleged syndicate’s activities uncovered a raft of fraud offences
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said investigations into the alleged syndicate’s activities uncovered a raft of fraud offences.
‘Forensic analysis of items previously seized by Corporate Corruption Team detectives has led to the identification of further fraud-related offences allegedly committed by members of this syndicate,’ Det Supt Howlett said.
‘Police will allege the majority of these offences were coordinated by the Sutherland woman, and that she was assisted by other members of the syndicate.
‘This type of [alleged] fraudulent activity is complex, well planned and salacious; particularly when you consider those allegedly involved in this fraud betrayed the trust of their customers and employers.
‘Investigators will now be thoroughly examining the documentation and other items seized today to ensure any further victims or offences are identified.’
Investigation into the alleged syndicate continue as strike force investigators urge anyone with information to come forward and contact police.
Police will allege in court Daizli (pictured during her arrest) used fraudulent documentation to submit false loan applications and launder money to the value of $550,000
Daizli appeared downcast throughout the proceedings, frequently putting her head in her hands and wiping tears from her cheeks
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