Victims of Wānaka cancer fraud couple sought
Tasman police are appealing for information to identify victims of a Wānaka couple’s elaborate fraud scheme, which used false cancer claims to swindle more than $1M and fund a “lavish lifestyle” until their arrest yesterday (Thursday August 14).
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye of the Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) said police executed a warrant at a Wānaka 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 Dye said the TOCU has been investigating the two suspects, who first lived on the West Coast and recently moved to Wānaka, where they have been living the high life with rented properties and high end European cars.
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, he said.
“The TOCU has been investigating this matter for only two weeks and has acted as promptly as possible to prevent further offending on this scale,” Detective Senior Sergeant Dye said.
“Inquiries to date include 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.”
Existing matters against the couple were filed in court in April 2024, for fraud related offending against another two victims, totalling $79,000.
They will appear in the Queenstown District Court where bail is opposed.
“Members of the TOCU will continue to investigate this matter to ensure all offenders are held to account. We’re also seizing assets where possible to assist with any possible reparation, and so that potential victims are protected from further offending by this couple,” Detective Senior Sergeant Dye said.
“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.”
