A body scanner that would supposedly allow people to make 3D-printed models of themselves was one of many scams that saw a Sydney man illegally pocket almost $6 million, authorities allege.
Daniel Albert, who was extradited from New Zealand this week, allegedly fleeced dozens of people in nine countries out of $5.6 million over four years, NSW police claim.
The elaborate schemes involved registered companies including some named First Aerial, Switched on Social and 3D selfie printer franchise Identical You.
NSW Police allege Daniel Albert (pictured), who was extradited from New Zealand this week, allegedly fleeced dozens of people in nine countries out of $5.6 million over four years
Police allege the scams affected people in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Ireland, Lebanon, Qatar, Singapore and South Africa.
The 51-year-old is alleged to have been involved in 35 counts of fraud, including gaining $620,000 from one man in 2012 over the franchise venture Glamour Nail.
An archived web page for the nail business indicates it would have offered small kiosks capable of painting more than 1000 designs onto fingernails.
Australia’s corporate regulator de-registered a Woollahra company of the same name in 2015.
Albert appeared via video link in Central Local Court on Friday over the 35 charges of fraud, which were allegedly committed between 2012 and 2016
Albert appeared via video link in Central Local Court on Friday over the charges, which were allegedly committed between 2012 and 2016.
Lawyer Greg Goold told the court his client had ‘voluntarily’ handed himself to New Zealand police before his extradition from Auckland Thursday.
Court documents indicate a warrant was issued for his arrest in March when the charges were filed in a Sydney court.
Mr Goold didn’t enter a plea in court on behalf of his client but later told reporters he expected Albert would plead not guilty.
‘This may well be a civil dispute instead of a criminal dispute,’ Mr Goold said.
‘It depends on whether the products police say existed did exist.’
Of the alleged crimes, Albert is alleged to have gained $620,000 from one man in 2012 over the franchise venture Glamour Nail
Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said outside court that Albert had made the schemes very ‘believable’ and that it resulted in people losing their ‘life-savings’.
‘We will be seeking compensation on behalf of the victims,’ he told Nine News.
Albert was denied bail according to 7News and if found guilty he faces up to 10 years behind bars.
His assets – including a lavish $3million Woollahra home – have been frozen pending the trial.
An alleged accomplice – believed to be his 48-year-old partner Kelly Hannah – has also been charged with 35 counts of fraud.
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