A woman is accused of using forging reference letters to secure a manager’s role at Oranga Tamariki before allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million.

Neha Sharma, 34, of Christchurch was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday facing four charges following an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

However, when her case was called it was revealed she was in India.

The SFO alleges that between January and February 2021 Sharma used written references, knowing them to be forged, from two people to get a job as property facilities manager at Oranga Tamariki.

It’s then alleged that between July 25, 2021 and October 27, 2022, she and Amandeep Sharma obtained a pecuniary advantage, with 103 payments totalling $2.1m made to Divine Connection Limited in relation to 326 invoices by Divine Connection to Oranga Tamariki.

Amandeep Sharma is the director of Divine Connection. The company is listed on the Companies Office as being involved in building and house construction.

The SFO said Neha Sharma, whose maiden name according to the charge sheets is Chandrasekaran, omitted to disclose her conflict of interest in relation to Divine Connection, with intent to deceive Oranga Tamariki, where there was a duty to disclose it to them.

Court documents list the invoices which include work or services carried out on various addresses and residential properties in Christchurch and greater Canterbury. The addresses include Te Puna Wai (youth justice facility), Te Oranga (care and protection residence), Te Poutama Ārahi Rangtahi (residential treatment programme for boys aged 12-18 with at-risk behaviour).

The pair also face a charge of money laundering $791,500. Charge sheets allege they removed the money from New Zealand in seven transactions in April and May.

Amandeep Sharma appeared before Judge Brian Callaghan on Wednesday.

Crown prosecutor Karyn South, acting on behalf of the SFO, said Neha Sharma was in India where Amandeep Sharma had travelled from this morning.

Neha Sharma had given birth in the last week, and had planned to return to New Zealand when she was able to with her child, the pair’s lawyer, Craig Ruane, said on Wednesday. Ruane was acting on behalf of a Wellington barrister.

South said she requested an arrest warrant and requested Amandeep Sharma surrender his passport.

Judge Callaghan said the warrant would lie in court until the next appearance on July 26.

Amandeep Sharma was remanded on bail until the next appearance.

Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive Chappie Te Kani said he welcomed the news of the charges, and they take any case of potential fraud extremely seriously.

“The allegations of obtaining money by deception and money laundering are for significant amounts.”

Te Kani said Oranga Tamariki identified concerns, including financial irregularities, and referred them to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) last year following an internal investigation.

“I am deeply disappointed that this has happened. Oranga Tamariki stands on its integrity and the delivery of services to tamariki and whānau. Our focus now is to continue working alongside the SFO to ensure justice is served.”

Te Kani said they are working closely with relevant authorities to recover the funds.

“As this case is currently before the courts, we are limited in what we can say. We will provide further comment when appropriate.”