Add Category
A Queensland man has been charged with more than 300 offences after allegedly defrauding more than 160 people and threatening two with murder.
- Some victims were unaware they'd been targeted until they were notified by police
- Devices were seized in December 2021, containing more than 1,500 passwords
- The 30-year-old was denied bail and will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today
A 10-month investigation, which spanned four states, led police to arrest a 30-year-old man at a Pallara address yesterday.
Police allege the man was in possession of the identification information of more than 160 people, including images of drivers licences, passports, birth certificates and Medicare cards.
Some victims were unaware they'd been targeted until they were notified by police.
It is further alleged he threatened two victims with murder when they tried to retrieve their information after being hacked.
A Pallara home was searched in December 2021 where numerous electronic devices were seized by police containing more than 1,500 passwords associated with social media and bank accounts.
The devices also allegedly contained evidence of drug offences, including supplying dangerous drugs.
Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Anderson alleged fraudulent purchases were made using the information.
"After taking over victim's accounts it will be alleged that online purchases for products, paid for from the victims' accounts, were made, as well as fraudulently lodging tax returns in the names of 12 victims and connecting mobile phone accounts in the names of 46 people."
Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Anderson urged Queenslanders to be vigilant.
"We are urging anyone who suspects they may be a victim of any sort of cybercrime to report it via the Australian government's ReportCyber website."
The 30-year-old was denied bail and will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.