Disgraced Queensland trainer Ben Currie arrested over fraud allegations

Disqualified trainer Ben Currie was arrested in Toowoomba on Tuesday before being released on bail after being charged by the Queensland Racing Crime Squad over what the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission described as "systematic fraudulent behaviour" over nearly two and a half years.

Queensland Police Service revealed via a statement on Tuesday afternoon: "Police have charged a 28-year-old Toowoomba man following a 14-month long investigation by officers from the QPS Queensland Racing Crime Squad.

"It is alleged the offender has engaged in systematic fraudulent behaviour over a period from November 2016 to March 2019 where he has sourced and administered unregulated horse supplements designed to enhance race performance in a manner to circumvent current testing methodology in Queensland thoroughbred racing.

"As a result, it is further alleged the offender has dishonestly gained a benefit through entitlement to prize-money distributed by Racing Queensland for thoroughbred races in Queensland over that time.

"The man has been charged with one count of aggravated fraud (Criminal Code) and has been bailed to appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on July 15, 2019."

QRIC then confirmed that the man arrested was in fact Currie and that the police probe had begun as a result of the Commission's investigation into him, which began in April last year.

"This Racing Crime Squad investigation has been carried out independently from the Commission but we have provided support as requested including technical advice from our Racing Science Centre chemists," said Queensland Racing Industry Commissioner Ross Barnett.

"During the period of these alleged charges Mr Currie was a licensed thoroughbred trainer in Queensland.

"This investigation again demonstrates the importance of the partnership between the Commission and the Racing Crime Squad and the value of them being seconded to the Commission to deal with allegations of criminal conduct which arise during our investigations into the Queensland racing industry."

This month the banned trainer was found guilty of prohibited substance charges and had a further three years added to his four-and-a-half-year disqualification.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission also fined Currie A$45,000.

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