Police hunt alleged conman Mark Filiti for alleged scams across Victoria

An alleged Burnside Heights conman who ripped off business across the state has gone into hiding in the bush with police hot on his tail.

A warrant has been issued for Mark Filiti following a series of bogus delivery for cash incidents across Victoria, including Geelong, over the past two months.

An alleged bogus delivery driver who scammed thousands of dollars from innocent small business owners across the state is on the run

A warrant has been issued for Mark Filiti, who police alleged pocketed more than $13,700 in the scam.

At least 17 alleged victims were allegedly targeted by Mr Filiti who demanded cash upfront to make a delivery between December 11 and January 21.

Investigators have also executed a search warrant at his address on 30 December but were unable to locate Mr Filiti

Police said small businesses and “vulnerable” workers were targeted in the scam, where they have been approached by a man pretending to be on the phone to the store’s manager and asking for cash out of the till for a delivery.

One alleged victim handed over $1800 which had been saved to buy Christmas presents.

Darebin detective Senior Constable Amanda Wright has appealed for anyone who knew Mr Filiti’s to come forward.

“He’s moved from metro Melbourne once he discovered I was looking for him in the regional areas. Places like Port Arlington, Seymour and Gisborne, offending a little further away in the hopes I won’t get him,’’ she said.

“We will get him but it’s just a matter of time. Mark, if you’re out there, hand yourself in because we will get you.

“He’s very confident in what he does. He speaks to neighbouring businesses and he learns the names of managers and owners. He approaches vulnerable people working, so international students or young people.

“He pretends he’s on the phone to the manager and tells them he needs the money cash in hand and they hand him money from the till.

“He wears normal casual clothes but he does have fake invoices which he hands over and they don’t appear legitimate it’s just scribble

“All of the businesses are small businesses who are trying to get back on their feet after Covid and you’ve got someone blatantly coming in and taking money out of their pocket.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

The alleged thefts:

- 11 December, $1800 dollars taken from a woman at a private residence at a Clarke Ave address in St Albans

- 18 December, $200 was taken from a bottle shop on Overton Lea Boulevard in Sydenham

- 21 December, $100 was taken from a bakery on Mt Alexander Rd in Flemington

- 22 December, $550 was taken from a grocery store on Commercial Rd in Prahran

- 24 December, $450 was taken from an ice cream store on High St in Thornbury

- 24 December, $800 was taken from a café on High St in Thornbury

- 26 December, $2500 was taken from a shop on Watton St in Werribee

- 29 December, $300 was taken from a bakery on Brantome St in Gisborne

- 4 January, $2000 was taken from a fish and chip shop on Newcombe St in Portarlington

- 5 January, $700 was taken from an ice cream shop on Point Nepean Rd in Dromana

- 5 January, the offender attempted to sell discounted coffee to a café on Grinter St, Moolap however staff didn’t provide any cash

- 8 January, $1300 was taken from a fast-food outlet on the Princes Highway in Pakenham

- 15 January, $400 was taken from a fast-food outlet on Plenty Rd in South Morang

- 16 January, $600 was taken from a bottle shop on Mountain View Rd in Briar Hill

- 17 January, $500 was taken from a café on Aberdeen Rd in Macleod

- 21 January, $450 was taken from a café on High S in Broadford

- 21 January, $850 was taken from a gift store on Station St in Seymour