By Grant Shepherd

SYDNEY: NSW Police have charged a man over an elaborate scheme where fraudulent gift cards were used to illegally purchase consumer electronic equipment.

After an extensive investigation, police from Ashfield Local Area Command executed a search warrant on Wednesday 30 December 2009 for a home in Edward Street, Kingsgrove. A 28-year-old man was arrested after the police allegedly found over 500 stolen gift cards and new electrical equipment.

The man was taken to St George Police Station and charged with 17 offences including benefit by deception, use [of] false instrument, goods suspected stolen in premises and [making a] false instrument.

The alleged fraudulent activities took place between February and March 2009 and relate to the use of the stolen gift cards in a range of supermarkets and department stores throughout Sydney, including stores in Punchbowl, North Ryde and Burwood.

The man was granted conditional bail and will appear at Kogarah Local Court on 2 February 2010.

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