The art of the scam – and how to stop it.
Comedian Marty Fields returns to recount a time he was nearly scammed, and what he did about it.
True Crime Australia
Bikies, ink and a vicious rumour | 2
Rachelle Childs has been dead for a week and police have no clear suspects. Her sister Kristy asks a former bikie for information.
The long weekend | 1
In 2001, Rachelle Childs leaves work, phones her sister, and is dead within hours. Who killed her? An expert cold case team seeks answers.
Dear Rachelle | Trailer
Did Rachelle Childs know her killer? Who was she supposed to be meeting at the Bargo Hotel the night she died?
Latest True Crime
Senior detectives reveal how ‘boys club’ may have let Rachelle down
Former senior detectives have revealed cold cases involving violent crimes against women — like Rachelle Childs who was murdered and burned — suffered for a critical reason.
‘Inexcusable’ insult as killer at-large
Rachelle Childs was brutally murdered nearly 24 years ago – but her case is still unsolved. Her sister Kristy wants answers after being ignored.
Serial killer fears: Rachelle’s body found near another victim
The inexplicable circumstances of Rachelle Childs’ death sparked fears a serial killer was on the loose after her burning remains were found near another female murder victim.
‘Disgusting’: Family’s letter to find Rachelle’s killer ignored
Rachelle Childs’ family has fought for almost 24 years to find her killer. Their plea to the NSW Police Minister has been ignored — and cops say it’s “disgusting”. Listen to the podcast, see the video.
New bid for knife laws to stop violent retail crims
Aussie retailers say workers are living in fear and worry another mass stabbing like the one that claimed six lives at a Westfield in Sydney will happen again unless authorities make these crucial changes.
Dear Rachelle podcast: Listen to Episode 1 and 2 now
Who killed Rachelle Childs? Innocent people, silenced by fear for decades, are breaking their silence. For Rachelle. Listen to the podcast now.
‘Set on fire’: Killer on the loose after Rachelle Childs’ grisly murder
Rachelle Childs was killed and set on fire before her loved ones knew that she was gone. More than two decades on, we still don’t know what happened. Watch the video and listen to the podcast.
Teacher’s Pet cop: Why Rachelle Childs’ murder is ‘solvable’
The high-profile detective who helped jail Chris Dawson through the Teacher’s Pet investigation is now looking into the murder of Rachelle Childs – and believes it’s “solvable”.
Chief suspect in Rachelle Childs’ murder case
A coronial inquest ruled Rachelle Childs had been deliberately killed, but found there was not enough evidence to identify her murderer. At the time, there was one final person of interest.
Rats reveal surprise finding on cocaine addiction
A study using lab rats and cocaine is helping scientists understand why certain people develop drug use disorders while others do not. And one finding was not what they expected.
Lone Wolf bikie kingpin nabbed in dramatic global sting
Australian Jordan Curry, who worked with conspirators to keep drug prices high and bring cocaine and meth to Sydney and Melbourne, has pleaded guilty after being caught in a global sting.
‘Powerful drug’ Aussie bikie gangs want nothing to do with
Police are scrambling to remove a drug 100 times more powerful than heroin off our streets after a Melbourne couple died taking what they thought was cocaine.
What Aussies pay for coke now as drug use hits record high
A surge in supply has supercharged Australia’s cocaine use despite the cost of living crisis. This is what drug users pay and who’s buying it.
What fast-tracked trial means for accused mushroom killer
In another dramatic twist, Erin Patterson has opted to forgo a major step in the legal process, instead heading straight to trial in the Supreme Court. Here’s what it means for the accused mushroom cook.
The top lawyers fighting to free accused mushroom cook killer
Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson has hired two of Australia’s top legal minds to run her defence. Here is why they’re seen as some of the best in the business.
‘We’re not cult-like’ How staying silent cost town at centre of mushroom meal
The town of Korumburra was unwittingly thrust into the spotlight in the wake of the deadly mushroom meal. But the decision to stay tight-lipped took an unexpected toll on locals.
‘Horrendous’ final moments of mushroom lunch victims
Erin Patterson’s in-laws likely spent their final moments writhing in agony as they succumbed to the death cap mushrooms allegedly inside their beef wellington lunch, a toxicologist has revealed.
‘Not good enough’: Top detective’s plea after mum ‘mauled by dogs’
Celebrated homicide detective Gary Jubelin says shocking evidence given at inquest over a mum’s horrific death shows Australia’s cops still have a problem – and families are suffering for it.
What happened to Lasonya? Death of mum ‘eaten by dogs’ deemed suspicious
The ex-partner of a mother whose decomposed body was found in her family’s backyard had been accused of assaulting her, an inquest has heard.
‘Appalling and shocking’ racism in police forces, inquiry finds
An almost three-year federal probe has found Indigenous women and children are being murdered at shocking rates, with its harrowing findings finally released.
Another major accolade for the Tiser’s Dying Rose podcast
The Advertiser’s Walkley Award-winning podcast has taken home another top gong against some of the country’s best audio productions.
Drug lords behind Australia’s meth supply chain arrested
The Sinaloa cartel boss and El Chapo’s son, who play a huge role in the illicit drug trade on our streets, are now in custody.
AN0M app bust: What’s next after 62 convictions
Criminals using the “secret” AN0M app have been sentenced to three centuries of jail time, with dozens of cases still to hit court. See some of them who’ve been convicted.
Hells Angels’ cunning move to take Comanchero drug trade
The Hells Angels are preparing to take over Australia’s wholesale international drug trade after the arrest of Comanchero kingpin Hakan Ayik in Turkey. This is what’s afoot.
Aussie drug kingpin and bikie broker’s cunning move
An Australian fugitive on the run for a decade in Mexico, who is a key drug broker for bikie gangs, is suspected of taking a dramatic step to avoid capture.
Ivan Milat’s shock revelation in letter to pen pal
Ivan Milat wrote sprawling letters to a criminologist, where he accidentally revealed a detail that was not part of the Crown’s case against him. Listen to the podcast.
80 more victims: Cops’ chilling new theory on Ivan Milat
While Ivan Milat was convicted of seven murders, leading figures in the investigation have revealed there may have been many more victims dating back to the 1970s. Listen to the podcast.
The Missing Australia: MILAT UNTOLD
A former police officer uncovers stories never heard before from key figures involved in the Ivan Milat task force. Listen to the podcast and catch all the episodes here.
20 years of letters to Ivan Milat | 4
What crucial clues does a killer spill to their pen pal? Criminologist Amanda Howard spent two decades communicating with jailed serial killer Ivan Milat.
Hillsong loses $100k a week amid ATO investigation
The crippling finances have been exposed in new financial documents, with the Christian megachurch losing an eye-watering $5 million in just one year.
Hillsong twist as Brian Houston starts new church
The megachurch is making a major change to its complaints process amid a tax office investigation into whistleblower documents that was examined in Faith on Trial podcast.
ATO probes Hillsong fraud claims
The Christian megachurch is being investigated by the Australian Taxation Office’s private wealth team over leaked financial records.
Moment I saw myself standing next to a Hillsong paedo
Award-winning journalist Marc Fennell has revealed his mixed — and deeply personal — feelings on the controversial Hillsong, and how he found a photo that he thought never existed.
How I can get your child into my car in less than 60 secs
Scarily, we now live in an era where a new level of stranger danger lurks, writes Madeleine West. See what you can do to protect your child.
How TV star caught sick pedo on TikTok
After she found out a young girl was being followed on TikTok by a man, Madeleine West discovered something shocking that led her straight to the federal police.
‘Every parent’s worst nightmare’: What Aussie star said to abuser
Former Neighbours star Madeleine West has revealed what she told the “monster” who sexually abused her for years. Read her victim impact statement.
‘I handed them evidence’: How cops miss abused Aussie kids
Vital clues that could lead to young sexual abuse victims are being overlooked – but an unlikely source could help bring paedophiles to justice. See how.
One thing Kathleen Folbigg can’t do anymore
In a sneak peek of a TV documentary, Kathleen Folbigg is happy, relaxed and surrounded by love. But, while she enjoys freedom after 20 years behind bars, it’s clear she still has a long way to go.
Folbigg’s common link with Lindy Chamberlain
Kathleen Folbigg and Lindy Chamberlain have shared a rare connection of murder convictions and acquittals that have captured, reviled and divided the nation.
Diaries of a ‘depressed mother’
Kathleen Folbigg’s diaries belonged to a ‘grieving, depressed mother’, a chief justice has found, as she was granted an unconditional pardon and released from prison.
‘Dismayed, devastated’: Folbigg’s ex-husband upset
Kathleen Folbigg’s ex-husband Craig, who gave evidence against her, was “absolutely dismayed and devastated” that there was a further inquiry, according to his lawyer.
“Truth is bloody confronting”: Jacinta Price Pt.2
Jacinta Price is no doubt a polarising politician. From cultural heritage to exploring practical solutions, Jacinta shares her views on virtue signalling, her vision for change in Australia and her message to the haters.
Hidden pain of an unsolved murder: Jacinta Price Pt.1
Jacinta Price’s aunt went missing more than 40 years ago. To this day, it’s a mystery that remains unsolved. From long lost family secrets to the personal toll of being a polarising figure, Jacinta sits down with Gary Jubelin to discuss everything from her upbringing to why she’ll never lose hope.
Speaking out to right wrongs: Nick Kaldas Pt.2
As a former NSW Police deputy commissioner, Nick Kaldas was one of the country’s highest ranking cops. He’s investigated war criminals, taken down assassins, and he’s even been the centre of an internal investigation himself. Nick shares how the most challenging cases shaped who he’s become, his thoughts on terrorism and the pressure of policing in a digital world.
Chasing assassins and infiltrating gangs: Nick Kaldas Pt.1
Nick Kaldas, former deputy commissioner of NSW Police, joins Gary Jubelin to discuss his career, including when he was also chosen by the UN to head up the investigation into the assassination of a former prime minister.
More True Crime
Four reasons why I believe we can find Rachelle’s killer
Former Detective Sergeant Damian Loone, who was critical in helping convict Lynnette Dawson’s killer, reveals the reasons why he believes Rachelle Childs’ murderer can also be found.
Photo evidence sheds light on Rachelle’s cold case
Images have shed new light on Rachelle Childs’ murder investigation, showing key clues the killer may have left.
New cold case investigation into Rachelle Childs’ unsolved murder
More than two decades ago, a young woman was killed. She was dead before her family knew she was gone. Who killed her? And why? A new cold case investigation is now live.
Nine hours to murder, 24 years of hell: Rachelle’s cold case
This is a timeline of events showing when Rachelle Childs went missing and was later found dead after she had been murdered. To this day, police have not caught her killer.
Aussie retail crime wave: Top items organised crims steal
Australia’s retail crime capital has been revealed as workers suffer threats and assaults from blade-wielding thugs who want high-value items for the black market.
Corruption bombshell: Allan and Carbines allegedly ‘conspired’ to axe two top cops
Ousted deputy commissioner Neil Paterson has filed an explosive complaint, accusing Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines of “corruption and misconduct in public office”.
After frank feedback there was a brutal meeting at Victoria Police headquarters
There had been squabbles for years between the Andrews-Allan governments and Shane Patton and Neil Paterson. In February, it all came to a head in dramatic fashion.
Mum who murdered her two sons dies weeks after being freed from jail
Donna Fitchett, who drugged, smothered and strangled her young sons at their Balwyn home, has been found dead.
Dear Rachelle
Dear Rachelle is hosted and investigated by journalist Ashlea Hansen, who teams up with retired detective and renowned cold case specialist Damian Loone.
The outback court reporter.
Veteran court reporter Jamelle Wells joins the show to talk about doing the rounds of country trials across Australia.
Falconio’s parents, Joanne Lees react to killer’s ‘terminal illness’
Peter Falconio’s parents and girlfriend Joanne Lees have cast doubt on reports that the British backpacker’s killer is dying of throat cancer.
Man denies helping killer who shot dead roommate before body dump
A man has denied he helped a killer who brutally shot his housemate in the head before his body was callously discarded in a shallow grave on a remote Hunter Valley property.
Peter Falconio’s killer only has months to live
Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch will likely take his secrets to the grave after a long battle with cancer.
Foreign cartels are ripping off the $44b NDIS
A fraud taskforce has sounded an alarm over the infiltration of foreign cartels in the NDIS. Bikies are also suspected of defrauding the $44 billion dollar scheme.
Suburbs under siege.
Home invasions have hit the headlines this month. Crime reporter Regan Hodge joins the show to talk about what he’s seen covering this disturbing trend.
‘We love the sweat’: Inside raunchy brothel linked to AFL star’s ex-wife
An unearthed video has revealed former Essendon premiership player Ricky Olarenshaw boasting to friends inside a Bali brothel as pole dancers performed. See the footage.
Price’s anger at ‘multi-billion dollar Aboriginal industry’
Senator Jacinta Prince has fired up over Australia’s handling of Indigenous affairs, taking aim at the Welcome to Country and men in leadership who have a history of domestic violence. Listen to the podcast.
Guns, scams and spooky things in South Australia.
In another of our infrequent Q&A shows, Andrew answers your questions.
‘In tears’: Ex-AFL star’s wife learns fate over Bali brothel case
Ricky Olarenshaw’s estranged wife Saranitha and an Aussie couple have appeared before a Bali court on charges of running a brothel.
Nephew of anti-drug politician admits to trafficking ecstasy
A former VFL player and nephew of Liberal MP Dan Tehan has pleaded guilty to drug charges, but his lawyer argued the offending was a “sad case of someone being used”.
Controversial rehab centre shuts down
An alleged drug dealer has been left in limbo amid the closure of a controversial rehabilitation centre patronised by a disgraced former television host.
Border dodgers’ criminal rampage: Cost to Aussies is $100m
The release of hundreds of former immigration detainees convicted of criminal offences such as murder and rape has cost taxpayers more than $100 million over the past 18 months.
Behind the doors of Australia’s bikie gangs
A recent trial has laid bare the twisted honour codes that rule Australia’s outlaw motorcycle clubs.
Moment journalist was caught up in brazen theft
Masked, hooded and unpredictable. This is the moment Canberra’s youth crime crisis unfolded in front of this Daily Telegraph reporter’s eyes by way of a brazen bottle-o theft. See the shocking footage.
Killers, rapists and pedos get cash payment up to $1000
Australian taxpayers are paying more than 200 former immigration detainees – including murderers, rapists and pedophiles – a fortnightly cash payment of up to $1000.
‘Witch hunt’: QPS in Fitzgerald-like war to silence cops
The Queensland Police Service is on what’s being dubbed a ‘witch hunt’ for a whistleblower responsible for leaking an internal policy document slammed as “dangerous” by both state party leaders.
Olarenshaw’s wife’s tearful courtroom outburst at ex-AFL star husband
Premiership player Rick Olarenshaw has come under fire from his estranged wife after failing to attend her trial in Bali over allegations she breached Indonesia’s strict prostitution ban.
Inside the cold case that stumped Australia
Nearly 60 years after one of the most haunting and mysterious disappearances rocked the nation, one man has tried everything to find closure.
Concerns raised over crims, sex offenders on NDIS
NDIS chief executive Rebecca Falkingham has made a shocking admission about the agency’s limitations over the thousands of criminals, including sex offenders, who are accessing its services.
Have your say: Cult killers sentenced, but was it enough?
All 14 members of a religious group have learned their fate for the “profoundly disturbing and preventable” death of Elizabeth Struhs who slowly died as they prayed. HAVE YOUR SAY
Why sex fiend with shrunken genitals was driven to kill
A forensic psychologist has revealed how serial sex predator Mark Errin Rust’s small penis drove him to chase women he also murdered.
How I cracked ‘celebrity’ conman’s ‘Mr Charming’ act
Aussie conman Dimitri de Angelis fooled many with his so-called celebrity “friends”. But he couldn’t fool the forensic expert who exposed his dark side.
Twisted Minds quiz: Are you working with a psychopath?
Are you working with a psychopath? As part of our new Twisted Minds podcast series, we put your knowledge to the test.
Childers murders: ‘There were bodies still at the door’
Former detective and criminal behaviourist, Steve Longford, reveals what he saw and knew of the arson attack on the Childers backpacker hostel and Bali bombing.
Torture, nightmares and freedom: Ian Muldoon Pt. 2
Ian Muldoon felt powerless as he fought for freedom after finding himself locked in a Cambodian prison. He survived, but the physical and emotional scars remain with him.
Stabbed, bashed and raped in a Cambodian prison: Ian Muldoon Pt. 1
A drunken night during a holiday in Cambodia led to Ian being locked up, alone and unable to speak the language, in a nightmare world of prison beatings, rapes and violents deaths. What he would go on to experience behind bars was horrific, it’s taken a long time for him to feel ready to describe it and he can still hear the screams.
Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior: Ric Prado Pt.2
Ric Prado has chased bad guys all over the world. He took down terrorist Osama bin Laden, he worked undercover in North Korea and he’s risked his life more times than he can count.
‘Raped and extorted’: Gold Coast dad’s getaway hell
A Coolangatta man has revealed his seven months of hell while banged up in a Cambodian jail, where he was beaten, gang raped and extorted. Listen to the podcast. Warning: Graphic content
How I got ‘Chopper’ Read nude behind bars
Former prison officer Steve Bergervoet was just a rookie when he managed to get Mark ‘Chopper’ Read naked on his first day of work. Warning: Graphic
Prison slang quiz: What’s a peter thief?
Think you’ve got what it takes to talk like an inmate? As part of our new On Guard prison podcast series, we put your knowledge of jailhouse lingo to the test.
Prison slang quiz: What’s chicken soup?
Think you’ve got what it takes to talk like an inmate? As part of our new On Guard prison podcast series, we put your knowledge of jailhouse lingo to the test.
Massacre monster trades sex for chocolates
A prison officer who worked with Martin Bryant has revealed the serial killer is just a “big baby” and a nobody within the jail hierarchy. WARNING: Graphic
The lie that cost underworld figure his life
When Carl Williams lied about Michael Marshall’s involvement in a contract killing, he as good as signed the hotdog salesman’s death warrant.
Lunchtime jewel heist which rocked Sydney’s CBD
In what was considered the biggest jewellery heist of the first half of the 20th century, in 1947 a thief managed to steal jewels worth about $600k today. But his glory was short-lived.
Guyra Ghost of 1921 still remains a mystery
As Sherlock Holmes and spiritualism became popular, a ghostly case in the NSW town of Guyra led to hysteria spreading throughout Australia.
Sydney’s forgotten ‘Cocaine Queen’
A witness to one of Sydney’s oldest cold cases, madam May Smith, was later arrested by our first female detective. She was jailed and then disappeared from public records — and from memory.
Elite squad to track elusive murderer and cold case fugitive
It’s been almost a year since a confirmed sighting of one of Queensland’s most wanted men, cold case fugitive and convicted murderer Keith Lees, and police are stepping up the hunt.
‘Last ray of hope’ snuffed out with no charges over crayfish farm shooting
The family of a young scientist shot dead while working at a crayfish farm say they lost their “last ray of hope” after an inquest failed to result in charges against two people named by a coroner.
Disappearance, taxi driver, deathbed confession: 40-year mystery set to end
For four decades it has been one of Queensland’s most enduring cold case murder mysteries but today the state coroner hands down the findings into the 1986 disappearance of Sharron Phillips.
‘Other secrets’: Bombshell Ivan Milat theory
It’s one of Australia’s most infamous cases but serial killer Ivan Milat still has more skeletons yet to emerge.
Last man executed in NSW
John Kelly was sent to the gallows in 1939 for murder, a decision his father labelled as “class justice”, claiming his son would have lived if the murder victim wasn’t from a prominent family.
How Sydney model was acquitted of lover’s murder
It had sex and crime … little wonder 1950s Sydney was fascinated by the trial of model Shirley Beiger, accused of shooting dead her lover outside a popular Sydney nightclub.
Traumatised kids left ‘to rot’
Almost five-years on from the Royal Commission, Don Dale Youth Detention Centre is locking-up kids for 23 hours a day.
Sisters murdered in Dulwich Hill lolly shop
A much-loved confectionary store was the scene of one of the most sensational murder mysteries of 1920s Sydney.
Major update on Janine Balding murder case
A new DNA test will be conducted in the investigation into Janine Balding’s horrific murder, as jailed killer Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson fights for his conviction to be quashed.
Woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann arrested
A Polish woman who claims to be missing British toddler Madeleine McCann has been arrested at a UK airport.
Convicted baby killer Keli Lane in closed hearing
Former elite water polo player Keli Lane is making another legal push for freedom.
DNA bombshell in Janine Balding murder case
It was a horrific murder that shocked the nation. A startling new discovery will now form part of a legal push by one of Janine Balding’s convicted killers.
Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/truecrimeaustralia