Man Extradited from WA to Face Charges in NSW
A man accused of defrauding elderly women at shopping centres in New South Wales has been extradited from Western Australia to face court. Vasile Bombonel, 38, is facing multiple charges following reports of a $100,000 scam that targeted vulnerable individuals.
According to police, the scam involved one person approaching a shopper and claiming they had dropped cash or their wallet. When the victim opened their wallet to check, a second person in the group allegedly stole their bank cards, which were later used for fraudulent transactions. This method of deception was reportedly used across several shopping centres in the state.
The scammers specifically targeted elderly women, according to police. To date, authorities have received reports of 39 incidents, spanning from the South Coast to Grafton and various suburbs across Sydney. The total amount stolen from victims is estimated to be over $100,000.
Bombonel was apprehended on Friday night at Perth Airport, where he was taken into custody by two detectives and subsequently extradited to NSW. He was transported to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with a range of offences, including nine counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
Footage released by NSW Police shows Bombonel giving the camera a thumbs-up and waving as he is escorted through Sydney’s domestic terminal in handcuffs by two detectives. As he enters the police car to be taken for further charges, he continues to wave at the camera.
Following his arrest, Bombonel was denied bail by police and is scheduled to appear in Bail Court on Saturday. His case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat fraud and protect vulnerable members of the community.
Details of the Scam
- Method: A person approaches a shopper, claiming they have lost money or a wallet.
- Second Person: Another individual in the group steals the victim’s bank cards during the distraction.
- Fraudulent Use: The stolen cards are later used for unauthorized transactions.
Impact on Victims
- Targeted Group: Elderly women were the primary targets.
- Geographic Spread: Incidents reported from the South Coast to Grafton and various Sydney suburbs.
- Financial Loss: Over $100,000 has been stolen from victims.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
- Arrest Location: Perth Airport.
- Extradition: Bombonel was taken to NSW by two detectives.
- Charges: Nine counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
- Bail Status: Denied by police; set to appear in Bail Court on Saturday.
