Detectives have now laid charges against a man who allegedly ran a scam purporting to be selling puppies through online trading websites.
In July 2020, detectives from Nepean Police Area Command commenced an investigation, following reports of a fraudulent online advertisement for purebred puppies.
Police will allege in court that several people across Australia – including residents in Queensland, Western Australia, the ACT and NSW – sent money online after seeing an advertisement of a blue Staffordshire bull terrier puppy posted on two online trading websites.
After sending through the money, the puppy never arrived, and the alleged breeder cut contact with them.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators, with the assistance from specialist tactical officers, arrested a 27-year-old man at a home in Oxley Park about 8am today (Wednesday 19 August 2020).
A short time later, a search warrant was executed at the property where investigators located several items, including computers and documentation.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
The man was taken to St Marys Police Station, where he was charged with eight counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and eight counts of use false document to obtain financial advantage.
He was refused bail to appear before Penrith Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 20 August 2020).
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information about fraudulent online activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
