Police charge man in major fraud investigationin Brisbane

Detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group have today charged a 44-year-old man with fraud related offences after executing a search warrant at a Calamvale residence.

It is alleged that between February 2020 and January 2021, the man misappropriated in excess of $630,000 whilst acting as a financial planner for his own use.

A criminal investigation was commenced in October 2021 after Queensland Police received a complaint from a financial institution upon identification of suspicious financial activity on a superannuation fund linked to a deceased man.

Police will allege the man used his position to take several measures, including assuming the deceased man’s identity, falsifying documents and creating accounts to facilitate this offending.

During the execution of the search warrant, detectives seized a luxury sports motor vehicle suspected of being purchased with proceeds of the offending.

The Calamvale man was charged with 28 charges including fraud, forgery and utter forged, computer hacking and personation. The man is due to appear in the Richlands Magistrates Court on 22 June.

Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett of the Crime and Intelligence Command’s Financial and Cyber Crime Group said the nature of the alleged offending was very concerning.

“As the outcome to this complex investigation highlights, the Queensland Police Service takes this offending seriously and we will hold those who breach positions of trust to account.

“We are committed to protecting our community through our strong relationships with the financial industry partners by working together to prevent and disrupt professional enablers from committing serious crime.”

“This is a timely reminder for the community to remain vigilant in monitoring their accounts and to report any suspicious activity to your financial institution and the Police at the earliest opportunity,” Detective Acting Inspector Bennett said.

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