Detectives from Financial and Cyber Crime Group have extradited a man from New Zealand by virtue of a Queensland arrest warrant for defrauding an elderly family member of over $1 million.
The man was arrested in Christchurch by New Zealand Police on July 15 and Queensland Police successfully applied for his extradition from New Zealand yesterday.
Detectives commenced an investigation in January 2021 after a complaint was received from the Public Trustee on behalf of a then 83-year-old Ashmore woman in relation to alleged misappropriated funds from her bank accounts.
Following a protracted investigation, detectives identified that between 2014 and 2018, a man known to the woman, had allegedly transferred over $1.145 million from the woman's bank accounts into his own. Police will further allege the man used the woman's debit card to make over $150,000 in unauthorised purchases or withdrawals for his own use.
The then 64-year-old Melbourne man was charged in relation to a fraud offence and was expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 4 2022. An arrest warrant was issued after the man failed to appear.
The 68-year-old appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today in relation to fraud dishonesty cause detriment value of at least $100,000 (domestic violence offence).
For more information on understanding, recognising and seeking help to prevent elder abuse, visit www.police.qld.gov.au/domestic-violence/elder-abuse
Previous media release: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2022/06/15/police-urge-community-vigilance-following-elder-abuse-arrest/
