Calamvale man allegedly stole deceased man’s identity, used it to embezzle $630k

A man from Brisbane’s south will face court after allegedly stole a deceased man’s identity, misappropriated more than $630,000 and purchase a sports car. WATCH THE MOMENT HE IS ARRESTED

A man who allegedly stole a dead man’s identity by creating fake accounts and falsifying documents has been charged in a major police investigation.

It was a financial institution who contacted police following suspicious financial activity on the deceased man’s superannuation fund that led police to the 44-year-old Calamvale man.

Following the execution of a police search warrant, the man was charged with 28 charges including fraud, forgery and uttering, computer hacking and personation and is due to appear in the Richlands Magistrates Court on 22 June.

A 44-year-old Calamvale man has been charged following alleged fraud offending. Picture: Queensland Police Service.

According to detectives from the Queensland Police Service Financial and Cyber Crime Group, the man allegedly misappropriated more than $630,000 while acting as a financial planner for his own use.

Police say the alleged offending took place over an 11 month time period, between February 2020 to January 2021, and was only identified by police following the complaint from the financial institution.

“Police will allege the man used his position to take several measures, including assuming the deceased man’s identity, falsifying documents and creating accounts to facilitate this offending,” a Queensland Police Statement said.

“During the execution of the search warrant, detectives seized a luxury sports motor vehicle suspected of being purchased with proceeds of the offending.”

The man was taken into police custody following a search warrant at his home. Picture: Queensland Police Service.

Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett of the Crime and Intelligence Command’s Financial and Cyber Crime Group said the nature of the alleged offending was “very concerning.”

“As the outcome to this complex investigation highlights, the Queensland Police Service takes this offending seriously and we will hold those who breach positions of trust to account,” Insp Bennett said.

“We are committed to protecting our community through our strong relationships with the financial industry partners by working together to prevent and disrupt professional enablers from committing serious crime.”

“This is a timely reminder for the community to remain vigilant in monitoring their accounts and to report any suspicious activity to your financial institution and the Police at the earliest opportunity.”