A St Albans man has been charged with 23 offences after an alleged identity theft has resulted in $2.3 million being stolen.
The 38-year-old was arrested after police uncovered a million-dollar spending spree on cars, jewellery, and other luxury items.
The alleged identity thief was in the sights of Melbourne East’s Neighbourhood Policing Team after a report of suspicious shopping activity came through in May this year.
Police began investigating and soon discovered that millions of dollars had allegedly been stolen from another person’s bank account.
Police tracked down the alleged victim, who used to reside in a property in Balwyn but moved to China nine years ago.
It’s alleged the property owned by the victim had been broken into, with unopened mail and documents pertaining to their identity stolen.
The alleged offender then used these items to gain access to bank accounts and transfer $2.3 million.
It’s alleged that within two months, the man purchased at least six vehicles including four Mercedes’, a Jaguar F Pace and a Toyota Hilux.
In addition to the cars, it’s alleged that gold and diamond jewellery, Rolex watches, significant amounts of designer clothing and bags and household furniture was purchased with the funds.
The investigation led to police executing a number of search warrants in St Albans, Keilor Downs, and South Morang on Thursday, October 10, where they seized four allegedly stolen cars and a range of furniture pieces.
The items seized include four sports vehicles, lounge suites, a washing machine, fridge and dryer, a dining table and chairs, a television, two entertainment units, a coffee and hallway table, and a mattress.
During the St Albans warrant, police arrested the 38-year-old man.
He was later charged with 23 offences including opening an account with cash dealer in false name, two counts of operating an account with a cash dealer in false name, handling/receiving/retention of stolen goods, four counts obtaining property by deception, three counts of theft, three counts of drive while disqualified, providing false or misleading information, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, being a prohibited person in possession of an imitation firearm, trafficking a drug of dependence, possession of heroin, and possession of methylamphetamine.
The St Albans man was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30.
A 45-year-old St Albans woman, a 67-year-old Keilor Downs woman, and a 40-year-old Keilor Downs man were also arrested, but were interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
