Conman Peter Foster arrested in Macedon Ranges

Serial conman Peter Foster has told a court he wants “to go home” to Queensland to face court but lashed police for pursuing the charges.

Former fugitive Peter Foster has told a court he would not oppose his extradition to Brisbane because he was a “proud Queenslander” who wanted to go home.

Australian Federal Police successfully applied in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon to extradite Mr Foster to the sunshine state – a day after officers swooped on him at a hobby farm near Gisborne.

But the court heard he will remain in Victorian custody until Saturday, when two Queensland police detectives will escort him to Queensland, where he will front Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.

Appearing from Melbourne West police station via video link, Mr Foster stood up from his chair and approached the camera to say he would not fight his extradition.

“I’m not opposing the order. As a proud Queenslander, I want to go home,” Mr Foster, who was wearing a hospital gown and resembled Santa with a long grey beard, said.

He went on to vent his frustration at the police investigation.

“I’m very concerned with the manner in which Queensland police have handled this,” Mr Foster said.

“Not so much just the brutal arrest at Port Douglas, but the fact they have decided to bring these charges when the New South Wales authority discontinued them, and I spent seven months in unlawful custody.”

Foster had been hiding out at a Macedon Ranges property for four months before being arrested on Tuesday.

Foster – who is expected to be returned to Queensland to face fraud matters – was ­arrested by Australian Federal Police specialist investigators at his secret bolthole in ­Gisborne.

In June this year and while on bail in Sydney, he cut off a court-ordered tracking device and went underground.

Most of the time since has been spent living incognito in the luxury Short Rd property, a discreet address with a long driveway and sweeping views.

The Herald Sun has been told Foster was operating a betting company from the property.

It had been set up at about the same time the 59-year-old slipped authorities after failing to turn up for a court ­appearance.

Foster disappeared from custody earlier this year. Picture: Australian Federal Police

Peter Foster disappeared from custody earlier this year. Picture: AAP

Private investigator Ken Gamble, who has pursued Foster for years over a range of matters, said the new punting operation was almost identical to his Sports Predictions model, which had previously left investors heavily out of pocket.

Mr Gamble said the runaway shyster had been operating multiple mobile phones, including a satellite phone, as he worked from inside the Short Rd home.

He was rarely seen coming in or out, probably because his profile put him at risk of being turned over to the law.

It is believed Foster’s use of the mobile phones was a ­factor in him being tracked to Victoria.

He had been grabbed in another high-profile arrest last year when detained on a beach at Port Douglas in far north Queensland, having earlier spent time hunkered down in the Byron Bay area of northern NSW.

Mr Gamble said he would be examining whether Foster had been building wealth while on the run.

The house in Gisborne where Conman Peter Foster has been hiding out. Picture: Supplied.

Its believed Foster was operating a betting company from the property.

Foster with singer Samantha Fox. Picture: London Sun

The private investigator is already pursuing him for money he claims is owed to his client, a Hong Kong businessman who allegedly invested Bitcoin worth $2m in Sports Predictions.

“We’re now going to be ­investigating whether he has ­acquired assets,” Mr Gamble said.

The charismatic and intelligent Foster has a long history of running scams, from diet teas to investment schemes. In the 1980s, the ­silver-tongued swindler was the partner of UK pin-up model and pop star Samantha Fox, and known to the courts there. He has lived an opulent life around the globe.

Foster has previously spent time in Victoria where he has some strong connections. In 2016, he allegedly met Melbourne underworld figures in a bid to sell star racehorse ­Azkadellia.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the ­latest arrest should be a warning to fugitives trying to go to ground in Australia.

“The AFP’s world-leading technical and forensic capabilities is again demonstrating to offenders that there is ­nowhere to hide,’’ he said.

“This arrest is a considerable result and a testament to the excellent working relationship between the AFP and Queensland Police.”