A 56-year-old Kaleen man will face court today in relation to an alleged fraud that saw more than $4 million taken from a Canberra businessman.

In 2019 a family member who had jointly taken over the operations of the business reported a series of suspicious payments to police.  

Forensic examination of the transactions identified a significant number payments being made either to entities controlled by the 56-year-old or to cash. Subsequent examinations of the 56-year-old’s accounts showed corresponding transactions made into accounts he controlled including his home loan account, credit card accounts and transaction accounts. 

Between 2016 and 2019, police will allege the man defrauded the business owner of more than $4.1 million.  

A search warrant was executed at the man’s home in Kaleen yesterday, Friday 17 November, and he was subsequently arrested near his place of work.  

He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 18 November 2023) to face charges including 179 counts of obtaining property by deception, two counts of attempting to obtain property by deception, one count of conducting a transaction to avoid threshold reporting requirements and one count of money laundering.  

A restraint order has been issued over the man’s Kaleen home.  

Police would like to speak to anyone who has any information in relation to this matter.  

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6444332. Information can be provided anonymously.