THE BIG STING FIVE ARRESTS OVER $30M COLD CALLING SCAM
FIVE people accused of scamming up to $30 million from 2000 victims will face court after a complex two-year operation ended with their arrests.
Helped by the Crime and Corruption Commission and Australian Taxation Office, investigators from the Queensland Financial and Cyber Crimes Group have worked to untangle a web of companies linked to the alleged scam which allegedly sold bogus share trading software by phone and online.
The five will face court on July 3. They are a 42-year-old Brisbane man charged with fraud and money laundering; a 41-year-old Burleigh Heads man charged with money laundering; a 42-year-old Surfers Paradise man charged with fraud and money laundering; a 38-year-old Mermaid Beach man charged with fraud and money laundering; and a 41-year-old Ashmore woman charged with fraud and money laundering.
Police searched residences and businesses across the Gold Coast yesterday as well as one residence and business in Brisbane, arresting the five they believe are the main players in the scam, which allegedly ran from 2012 to 2015. They were each bailed yesterday after a stint in the watchhouse.
The scam involved highpressure sales tactics and offering victims incredible returns on share market investments via a computer program. The scam was supported by bogus websites containing fake reviews and other information about the products.
Acting Detective Superintendent Peter Brewer urged potential victims to come forward if they have dealt with the companies, which include ESL, Eurosoft, OWS, OW Sydney, One Wealth, GTA, GlobalTech, GTA Australia, GT Australia, GT Alliance, TRP, TRP Solutions, Thorne Roberts Price and Thomson Rowe Partners.
“These types of scams are often very professional and convincing,” he said. “People need to be aware that cold calling in relation to financial products of any description is illegal.”
If you have information contact Policelink on 131 444 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or email crimestoppersqld.com.au.