10 victims identified in couple's alleged $1m fake cancer scam in Wānaka
RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Ten potential victims have been found as a couple are accused of defrauding people out of more than $1 million dollars in a fake cancer scam, police say.
The 28-year-old man and 38-year-old woman are accused of defrauding family, friends and associates over two years, claiming the money was for treatment that was not needed.
According to police, the pair had moved from the West Coast to Wānaka and were living the high life in rented properties and driving high-end European cars.
The couple was due to appear at the Christchurch District Court on Monday on multiple charges of obtaining by deception.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said four more potential victims had come forward and police had identified another three potential victims following publicity around the couple's arrest last week.
"This is on top of the three people who had already made complaints to police and resulted in the arrests of the pair," he said.
As part of the investigation, police said they found weapons including a .22 rifle and more than 2000 rounds of ammunition at a Wānaka storage unit last week.
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