Detectives from the Organised Crime Gangs Group, State Crime Command have extradited a 49-year-old man from Adelaide to face a series of fraud and money laundering charges.
The arrest follows a protracted investigation known as Operation Lima Violin where detectives investigated a cold call investment scam involving more than 30 fraudulently trading businesses. It is alleged the offences occurred on the Gold Coast between 2012 and 2013.
This week, detectives flew to Adelaide to apply for the man’s extradition. Formerly of the Gold Coast, the 49-year-old man has been charged with fraud and money laundering charges and will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 29, 2019.
“This arrest is testament to our unrelenting efforts to target those who seek to prey on the community.
“Our advice to the community is to remain vigilant at all times. Before you give out your personal details, take a moment and ask yourself if what you are about to do keeps you in control of your finances banking and identification information (#RUincontrol).
“If you are in doubt, ensure you seek your own independent verifiable financial advice before making any investments. Make sure you decide what happens with your hard-earned money, not the criminals,” Detective Inspector Larissa Miller of the Organised Crime Gangs Group said.
Members of the public can learn about scams at www.scamwatch.gov.au or the Queensland Police Service’s R U in Control campaign at mypolice.qld.gov.au/RUincontrol. Scams can be reported to www.acorn.gov.au
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
