Detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group, State Crime Command charged five men with fraud during May and June following a protracted investigation known as Operation Quebec Scaling.
Detectives investigated two businesses who were alleged to be operating a cold call investment scam on the Gold Coast between 2013 and 2015 involving over $330,000.
It will be alleged the companies displayed a facade of being legitimate and tricked victims into thinking their investment had produced significant profit, however they were required to make additional payment to have funds released. The investment did not deliver as promised and the profit never existed. Victims never received any funds.
The Financial and Cyber Crime Group continue efforts to investigate and disrupt serious and organised fraud impacting on the community of Queensland.
“We ask the community to remain alert to and resilient against this type of offending. Always seek independent financial advice concerning any unsolicited telephone calls or emails offering investment opportunities.”
“Through the QPS campaign, R U in Control, we continue to provide updates on the latest scams and offer simple measures on how people can avoid financial and cyber crime,” Detective Superintendent Terry Lawrence of the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said.
The five men – aged between 45 and 75 – have each been charged with 11 counts of fraud – dishonestly induces delivery of property. One man is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow, with the others due to appear in the coming weeks.
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. 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.
