Indooroopilly Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) have charged two men with 390 offences following extensive investigations into alleged fraud offences across Southeast Queensland.
It is alleged, between February to May two male Romanian nationals, aged 36 and 39-years-old, conducted a variety of card skimming related fraud offences at businesses and ATMs.
Suburbs where offences are alleged to have occurred include Albany Creek, Arana Hills, Ashgrove, Aspley, Banyo, Beachmere, Boronia Heights, Brendale, Brighton, Bulimba, Caboolture, Chermside, Clayfield, Clontarf, Coorparoo, Dutton Park, Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Gatton, Geebung, Grange, Hamilton, Highgate Hill, Indooroopilly, Kedron, Kenmore, Kingaroy, Milton, Morningside, Mount Gravatt, Murrumba Downs, New Farm, Newstead, Northgate, Nundah, Sandgate, Stafford, Stones Corner, Strathpine, Taigum, Taringa, The Gap, Toowong, Tugun, Upper Caboolture, Virginia, Wynnum and Zillmere.
Detectives established Operation Yankee Iron Tread in April to investigation the series of offences.
On 19 May, investigators conducted a search warrant at an address in Boronia Heights where the two men were arrested.
Throughout the search police seized $20,000 in cash, skimming devices, identification information, and template bank cards.
Both men have since been charged with 195 offences, including obtaining or dealing with identification information, fraud - dishonestly obtains property from another, and possessing equipment for purpose of committing/facilitating an offence under s408D(1).
Their police bail was refused, and they are expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today, 20 May.
Indooroopilly CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Blyth says police will be relentless in their pursuit to identify and bring to justice any person who attempts to take advantage of innocent Queenslanders.
"Stealing anyone's personal information and hard-earned money is a brazen offence that police will not tolerate."
"Police will take all reports of offences of this nature seriously."
"If you believe you are a victim of fraudulent transactions, immediately notify your financial institution, report the matter to police and seek any further support you need."
Victims of a scam can make a report with ReportCyber. Anyone with information relating to a scam, can report it to ScamWatch.
Any victims of identity theft or fraud can find options for support services at IDCare.
Information on online safety and fraud prevention is available online.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
