Travel World Sydney agent Zahra Rachid accused of fleecing customers out of $500,000 with fake bookings
A travel agent accused of defrauding 50 holidaymakers by issuing fake airline tickets and itineraries has been charged.
Zahra Rachid, 53 who ran the Travel World Sydney travel agency in Arncliffe in the city’s south, has been charged with 16 counts of fraud after allegedly defrauding clients of more than $500,000.
Police will allege Rachid created totally fake travel documents, complete with booking reference numbers and seat assignments, before pocketing customer payments.
The investigation into Rachid began last month when detectives set up Strike Force Baile and began investigating alleged reports from dozens of potential travelers.
Zahra Rachid has been charged with fraud after allegedly defrauding customers of more than $500,000
Rachid (centre) was arrested on Friday morning at a unit complex in Kingsgrove
Police will allege that 16 different people made bookings through the agent which were later canceled without their knowledge, and no refunds were given.
The alleged victims included a family of 35 who booked a “once in a lifetime” holiday to Greece costing $160,000.
Rachid was arrested last Friday morning at a unit complex in Kingsgrove, in Sydney’s south.
She was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged with 16 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Zahra Rachid (pictured) was granted bail to appear in court again on July 1
Nicole Vris claimed she used Rachid from Travel World Sydney to book the trip of a lifetime to Greece for 34 family members
Rachid was refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court later that day, where she was granted conditional bail to appear again on July 1.
Under her bail conditions, Rachid must report to police daily, surrender her passport and not contact previous Travel World Sydney customers.
Police are continuing the investigation under the leadership of Strike Force Baile.
The Rachid’s Travel World Sydney business website remains online, but the telephone number has been disconnected.
‘We’ll guide you through the visa process, translate those confusing menus and make sure you have all the insider tips to avoid tourist traps… So dust off your passport, escape your boring routine and enjoy the extraordinary with us,’ there it says that.
Zahra Rachid (pictured during her arrest) was charged with sixteen counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception
Up to 50 customers allegedly defrauded at Travel World Sydney (premises pictured)