A trio of foreign nationals has been charged with fraud and stealing offences against elderly victims across Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast.
Detectives charged the two men and a woman after investigations in February and March indicated they allegedly stole thousands of dollars from victims across the state.
It will be alleged the group would monitor victims, some aged between 70 and 94, as they used ATMs or paid for groceries in shopping centres at Kenmore, Chermside, Strathpine, North Lakes, Buddina, Caloundra and Laidley.
It will further be alleged the group would approach the victim and claim they had dropped their wallet or cash. While the victim was distracted, their wallet was taken and their cards were subsequently used fraudulently.
Following investigations by the Financial and Cyber Crime Group, with support from South Eastern, Southern Region and North Coast Region, detectives arrested three people at a unit complex in Eight Mile Plains on Saturday, where almost $20,000 was seized.
A 49-year-old Romanian national man has been charged with five counts of fraud, four counts of stealing and two counts of enter with intent.
A 29-year-old Romanian national woman has been charged with eight counts of fraud, four counts of stealing and two counts of enter with intent.
They both appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 28 and have been refused bail, with their matters adjourned until April 15.
A 42-year-old Romanian national man has been charged with one count of stealing. He was bailed to reappear in the Southport Magistrates Court on April 8.
Financial and Cyber Crime Group Detective Acting Superintendent Jim Fenton asked for other people that may have fallen victim to similar incidents to come forward.
“I encourage anyone who notices fraudulent transactions on their accounts to immediately notify their financial institution, then report the matter to police and seek any personal support you may need,” Detective Acting Superintendent Fenton said.
“It’s important to monitor your finances and be vigilant when using ATMs, be aware of your surroundings, and take steps to safeguard your PIN and banking details during transactions.”
Investigations are continuing, including possible links to NSW and Victoria, and further arrests are expected.
