Toll text scam: QLD Police charge two Chinese nationals after Southport raid

Police claim to have found a hub where 1.7 million fake text messages about tolls originated, releasing extraordinary vision of a raid in relation to the case. The pair allegedly involved in the scheme have now been identified. DETAILS

Police have released extraordinary vision of a raid on a Southport home in relation to an alleged scam involving more than 1.7 million fake text messages about road tolls.

Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command Financial and Cyber Crime Group raided the Lawson St residence on April 18.

Amid a jumble of children’s toys the detectives allegedly found SIM Boxes – devices capable of sending bulk text messages throughout Australia.

Image from a police raid on a Southport property showing items alleged to be Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Boxes. Picture: QPS

Police allege the boxes were being used to send out texts directing people to fake websites for the purpose of stealing money and identity information, with more than 1.7 million toll-related scam messages sent over a two-week period in February this year.

Image from a police raid on a Southport property in relation to an alleged SIM card scam. Picture: QPS

Officers said as a result of extensive investigations, a man and a woman were arrested at the Southport residence on April 18.

Yu Tian and Riu Gu, both 37, have been charged with one count each of obtaining or dealing with identification information and using a telecommunications network with intention to facilitate the commission of a serious offence.

Court documents allege the pair also used Chinese driver’s licences and identity cards as part of their scheme.

The two Chinese nationals briefly appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.

It was noted on their files that both had already lodged legal aid applications.

The duo’s cases were adjourned to May 29. They remain on bail.

Follow @keithjwoods