Detectives from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group Money Laundering Unit have charged four individuals in connection with an alleged ‘boiler room’ investment fraud operation on the Gold Coast.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Uniform Tapenade, began in July 2022 and focused on cold call investment fraud involving cryptocurrency schemes and money laundering. The fraudulent activities were linked to companies like ‘Crypto Advisers Australia’, ‘Strategic Capital’, ‘Active Marketing Solutions’, and ‘Alternative Capital’.
It is alleged that these companies defrauded over $1.5 million from approximately 30 people between 2018 and 2021 through a Ponzi scheme and identity takeovers. The suspects are accused of moving illicit funds through cryptocurrency, precious metals, luxury vehicles, and real estate to conceal the money’s origins.
On March 11 and 12, police arrested and charged four people with fraud and money laundering. The accused are:
- A 36-year-old Gold Coast man charged with one count of money laundering is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on April 29.
- A 63-year-old Gold Coast woman was also charged with one count of money laundering, with the same court appearance date.
- A 37-year-old Gold Coast woman facing the same charge and court date.
- A 46-year-old North Brisbane man charged with four counts of fraud and one count of money laundering first appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 25 and is set to reappear on May 27.
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Paskin cautioned against investment opportunities that seem too good to be true, warning that they might be fraudulent.
He advised investors to conduct due diligence and seek guidance from registered financial planners before investing in any financial product.
“It’s important to understand the legitimacy of an investment, expected returns, and the risks involved,” said Paskin.
News source and featured image: Queensland MyPolice website
