Tasman Police seek help in identifying victims of couple’s fraud web

The Team from Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police

Police executed a warrant earlier today at a Wanaka address and charged a 28-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman with defrauding a person of $1,044,500 over the past two years.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) has been investigating two suspects who first lived on the West Coast and have recently moved to Wanaka. Their lavish lifestyle has been funded with money allegedly defrauded from family, friends and associates, for cancer treatment that inquiries show was never required and never obtained.

“Inquiries to date including an ongoing financial analysis of bank accounts used by the couple which indicates there are other victims who have not yet spoken with police. We’re identifying who they are and will be investigating their complaints.”

“Members of the TOCU will continue to investigate this matter to ensure all offenders are held to account.

“If you feel like you have given money away to this couple that matches with some of the deceptive reasons mentioned here or have information that can assist the inquiry, contact the Tasman Organised Crime Unit.”

“We’re based in Greymouth where the team will be actively investigating your complaint. Please quote case number 241031/7310,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye.

If you believe you are, or have been, a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz... or call Police on 105 and report the matter.

If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.