Financial planner is accused of pocketing more than $9million after allegedly fleecing dozens of people out of their superannuation in ‘heartless’ plot
- A 49-year-old Victorian was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday night
- He was charged with 35 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception
- He allegedly operated as an unlicensed financial adviser from 2014 to 2018
Charges have been laid after more than $9million in superannuation was allegedly conned out of dozens of Victorians.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday night and later charged with 35 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.
At least 34 vulnerable victims were tricked into investing their superannuation with him – amounting to at least $9,094,405 – before he fled the country in 2019, police said.
At least 34 vulnerable victims were tricked into investing their superannuation with man arrested at Melbourne Airport. Pictured is a stock image of a business meeting
The man allegedly operated as an unlicensed financial adviser in the Brighton area from 2014 to 2018, leading to ‘life-changing consequences’.
Detective Inspector Damien Jones said the arrest was a significant result for police.
‘And one that highlights the malicious nature of fraud and deception related offending,’ he said.
‘Targeting some of the most vulnerable is heartless offending.
‘This kind of offending can have life-changing consequences for the victims.’
At least $9,094,405 was allegedly taken from ‘vulnerable people’ in the alleged fraud in Melbourne. Pictured is Australian currency
Police are investigating whether there are any other potential alleged victims.
Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by the man has been urged to come forward.