Brisbane man charged over alleged stolen data fraud

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |

The Australian Federal Police has charged a man for allegedly buying stolen personal identification data online to defraud hundreds of victims.

The Woolloongabba man, 25, was arrested by the AFP at his home on Thursday and appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court the following day to face eight charges.

AFP Cybercrime Operations launched an investigation in March 2021 into the the man’s use of an online platform selling stolen identification information.

Commander Chris Goldsmid said it will be alleged the man was linked to an account used to buy stolen information.

Police said the man used the information to make online purchases, create fraudulent bank accounts, and gain unauthorised access to victims’ bank accounts.

Commander Goldsmid said this kind of identity fraud is becoming more prevalent.

“Your personal information is becoming more valuable to criminals online.

“Previously, cybercrime was the domain of only highly-skilled offenders, however cybercriminals can now operate at all levels of technical ability, and the tools they employ are easily accessible online.”

“In the past criminals had to break into your home to steal your possessions or money. Now, cybercriminals can be thousands of miles away but still able to reach into your wallet.

“Australians work hard for their money. We must not make it easy for criminals to take it away.

“If a service you use, a social media platform, business you’ve shopped at before, or loyalty programs has suffered from a data breach, then you need to be proactive and update your details.

“Using different passwords for all services and enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts will help keep you better protected.”

The man was charged with seven counts of unauthorised access to restricted data, and one count of possessing data with the intent to commit a computer offence.

The stolen information does not relate to current AFP investigations into breaches of data against Optus, Medibank Private or MyDeal.