Queensland police charge three people in relation to a series of alleged online romance scams
Three Gold Coast residents have been charged over an alleged online romance scam fleeced victims from Queensland to Western Australia of nearly half a million dollars. Watch the video
Police & Courts
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Three Gold Coast residents have been charged over an alleged online romance scam that left lonely hearts across Queensland almost half a million dollars out of pocket.
Benowa women Helen Dimitrijevski, 52, and Sophie Dimitrijevski, 29, and Mermaid Beach man Murray Iranui Hopa, 52, have all been charged in relation to the alleged eight-month fraud scheme.
Two men from Toowoomba and the Cassowary Coast region, both in their 70s, signed up to what they thought was a paid dating service between June 2022 and February 2023.
Both men said they were put in contact with a woman who claimed to be a widow in her 50s who was requiring large payments to get out of a work contract.
The advertisment which was seen in newspapers and online read, “country lady at heart looking for her soulmate”.
“New to the area, widow of six years, 50 years old, open to any age, slim build, blue-eyed blonde, very happy natured, fun loving, honest, nurturing and caring, very affectionate and romantic.
“Looking for a man to share all these qualities with.
“Genuine replies only please.”
The Cassowary Coast man found out it was an alleged scam after contact with the woman suddenly stopped.
However, he had allegedly already transferred her a total of $343,000.
He reported it to Cairns Police in March.
It is alleged the Toowoomba man had transferred the woman $42,000 before a friend alerted him that it may be a scam.
He then reported it to ReportCyber and it was referred to Queensland Police Service in February.
After almost four months of investigations, detectives identified a third alleged scam victim, a Western Australia man in his 50s who transferred $111,000 to who he thought was a widow in her 50s.
During the investigation, detectives exercised search warrants at two homes in Benowa on the Gold Coast.
Footage released by police show officers arriving to the home and being welcomed by a person wearing a VB parody jumper.
At least four police officers searched the luxurious home, which featured a room-sized walk-in wardrobe with stacks of high heels and more than 10 Chanel shopping bags on display.
Police then escorted one of the women outside the home and into the officers car.
Helen Dimitrijevski has been charged with five counts of fraud and one count each of receiving tainted property, possessing tainting property and contravening an order about access to information stored electronically.
Sophie Dimitrijevski has been charged with five counts of fraud, and also faces a further one count each of receiving and possessing tainted property.
Both matters are listed for mention in Southport Magistrates Court on October 3.
Police also exercised a search warrant at a Mermaid Beach home, where they arrested Mr Hopa.
During the search warrants police found $79,000 in cash hidden in the pillows in a bedroom.
Mr Hopa now faces four charges of fraud and will return to court on September 18.
All three of the accused have been granted bail on their own undertaking, including conditions prohibiting contact with any of their alleged victims.
During the investigation officers found an A4 notebook which outlined when they had received their payments from the men and how much each transaction was.
Gold Coast police said they were continuing investigations into the alleged scam and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Far North High Risk Investigations Team detective Sergeant Matthew Hogan said it was important to remember if anyone believed they were being scammed, it was not their fault.
“Anyone at any stage in life can be vulnerable to scams and, while it is confronting and upsetting, we ask victims to come forward, seek support and report what has happened to ReportCyber or to police,” he said.
“This will help ensure it can be investigated, alleged offenders put before the court and that others in the community can be reminded of the warning signs.
“To defraud any person is horrible, but to specifically seek out mature people who may be vulnerable, it’s cruel.
“QPS will investigating all matters, until alleged offenders are before the court and support is provided to those victims.”
An investigation by Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch would be looking into alleged fraud that lured victims who responded to newspaper personal advertisements that claimed to offer romance and companionship, Far North District inspector Jason Chetham said.
“When they responded to the phone number they were told they needed to pay an introduction fee, which has been paid, and from that point onwards we are alleging the offenders have groomed those victims to make a succession of payments,” he said.
“We are alleging this is completely fraudulent and they have just been scammed of their money.
“We certainly believe that as a result of the investigation there are likely to be other victims, not just locally but across the nation.”
The alleged dating scam operated under the name The Coaching Factory.
Insp Chetham said shame and embarrassment were often barriers to victims coming forward however police were available to hear stories of people being ripped free of any judgement.
“And we can also provide support services if they have been a victim of crime,” he said.
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