Two Extradited from Queensland and Charged Over NSW Shopping Centre Scam Investigation

A 49-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were extradited from Queensland to New South Wales on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, and charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into a series of shopping centre scams across NSW.

The arrests were made under Strike Force Danube, which was established in March 2026 by the North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad. The strike force was set up to investigate reports of scams targeting elderly individuals, particularly women, at shopping centres across the state between 11 February and 23 March 2026.

According to NSW Police, the scheme involved members of a transnational serious organised crime network. Investigators allege that one individual would approach a victim claiming they had dropped money or their wallet. When the victim checked their wallet, a second person would steal their bank cards, which were subsequently used for fraudulent transactions.

Police reported that 34 incidents spanning from the South Coast to Grafton, as well as multiple Sydney suburbs, resulted in more than $150,000 in stolen proceeds. A 38-year-old man was previously extradited from Perth in April 2026 and charged in relation to the investigation.

Following their arrest in Queensland, the 49-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were transported to NSW with assistance from the Tweed/Byron Police District. Both individuals were charged with 24 offences, including 12 counts of stealing from a person (value less than $2,000) and 12 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Both individuals were refused bail and scheduled to appear before Bail Division Court 1 on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Police stated that inquiries under Strike Force Danube remain ongoing.

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