Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad have charged a 32-year-old man with over 30 fraud related offences as the result of a lengthy investigation into a property laundering scheme.
It will be alleged, in May 2023 the accused – purporting to be the owner of a well-established business – initiated a partnership with a buy now pay later finance company.
The partnership allowed the “business” to give its clients a flexible payment option to immediately purchase goods and commence payments at a later date.
The finance company would deposit the full invoice into the “business” owners account while the customer then pays the finance company in instalments.
The accused subsequently activated several payment plans under different identities with sums of up to $8,000 transferred into various accounts.
In June 2023, after noticing a spike in activity with the business, the finance company contacted the real business owner who became aware they had been defrauded.
Detectives will allege between May 2023 and June 2023, the accused fraudulently obtained a total of $219,711.90 from the finance company.
On 20 December 2023, the accused was arrested in Bayswater while driving a fraudulently purchased 2020 Toyota Hilux.
The 32-year-old man has been charged with 34 counts of Gains Benefit by Fraud and one count of Property Laundering – Engaged in Transaction.
He is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today, 21 December 2023.
