Man charged with fraud and identity theft offences

A 34-year-old Gungahlin man will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, 23 January 2024) on more than 130 fraud and theft related charges.

On 12 October 2023, police responded to a report of a stolen EFTPOS machine from a hospitality business in Belconnen.

On 19 October 2023, police executed a search warrant on the man’s Gungahlin home and recovered the stolen EFTPOS machine, along with bank cards and other identity documents in the names of other people.

Following a significant investigation, yesterday (Monday, 22 January 2024) police executed another search warrant at the man’s home, seizing numerous identity and falsified documents as well as mobile phones.

Police will allege the man stole more than $16,000 via unauthorised refunds using the EFTPOS machine. It will also be alleged he attempted to steal a further $55,000.

During the search warrant, identity documents relating to 77 people were located. Police will speak with those people to determine if further offences have been committed. 

He has been charged with: 

• One count of theft, 

• 19 counts of obtain property by deception, 

• 36 counts of attempting to obtain property by deception, 

• Two counts of possessing a device for making false documents, 

• 78 counts of possessing false documents, 

• Two counts of using false documents, and 

• One count of money laundering. 

A forensic examination of the seized items is underway and police have not ruled out further charges.

Anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft should report it to police and seek assistance from IDCARE at https://www.idcare.org/. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au