Documents tended to the ACT Magistrates Court detail an elaborate alleged scam in which a Canberra woman was allegedly threatened into handing over $70,000 in cash.
The 65-year-old woman allegedly began paying a man in November after she answered a call from an unknown male with an Indian accent who identified himself as 'Jerry'.
Court documents state he requested the woman provide him her name and residential address, which she did.
Police said 'Jerry' then claimed the woman had an outstanding debt to the 'NCA' – which she believed to be the National Crime Authority – and demanded she pay it back.
The alleged victim told the man she owed no money, to which he allegedly replied that she needed to pay $10,000 in cash or he would send someone to "knock her off".
She told police she was immediately fearful 'Jerry' meant he would send someone to kill her if she failed to pay.
Documents state the woman later withdrew the money from her bank and informed 'Jerry' that it was ready for collection.
The woman was allegedly given a time to wait outside her house with the cash and provided a 'password' to use with the person who collected it.
She told police, at the agreed time, she handed $10,000 cash to a man in his 30s of Indian appearance outside her home.
Court documents show 'Jerry' then began calling the 65-year-old almost daily demanding money. He also allegedly told her that scanners had been placed around the outside of her house that would show if she had any money hidden inside.
The woman said she continued to hand over money to the same man outside her home as instructed by 'Jerry' for almost two months, totalling about $70,000.
Arrest was made during cash handover
Amarishkumar Kanubhai Patel, 28, was arrested during a scheduled collection of money from the 65-year-old.
Court documents show on December 17, minutes after 'Jerry' was informed that more money was available for collection, Mr Patel received a message from someone he knew requesting him to "call me emergency", followed by the alleged victim's home address.
Police say he responded with a screenshot of a map showing a route to the woman's home, indicating he was 28 minutes away from it.
Mr Patel then allegedly received another message that read; "Old lady, Dress – black pants and blue top, Password Jerry".
After his arrest, Mr Patel admitted to police that he had attending the alleged victim's residence and collected a sum of money from her. He told officers he was to be paid $200 for the pickup.
Mr Patel appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday, facing three charges including blackmail to obtain a gain and aid or abet making a demand with a threat to kill or inflict bodily harm.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker told the court Mr Patel was in some way involved in the alleged scam.
"Whilst it is unclear the extent of the role this defendant had in the matter, he is clearly implicated in what is commonly known as a scam," she said.
When considering bail for the man, Chief Magistrate Walker said her biggest concern was the likelihood of him interfering with evidence.
She refused bail saying there were no conditions she could impose that could prevent him from contacting others involved in the alleged scam.
'Don't be embarrassed, seek help'
Police believe Mr Patel could be involved with a larger international crime syndicate.
Criminal Investigations Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman said the alleged scam had prompted police to issue a warning to the public and to "stress the need to be vigilant".
He said the actions were bold, with cash received in person at the alleged victim's home.
"I'd say it's a bit more brazen to send someone to a house," Detective Inspector Boorman said.
"That's when I come back to not giving out home addresses, personal information, because these people are convincing.
"The main message is don't be embarrassed, seek help."
Anyone who receives calls of this nature is being urged to contact police immediately and never provide personal information to those they do not know.
