Wife of embattled ex-police detective is found dead on Christmas Day – leaving him to face charges over a $20million ‘fake company’ scam
- Zoei Charissa Keong, 35, was found dead on Christmas, death is not suspicious
- Her partner, former police detective Mick Featherstone is shocked by her death
- The pair were charged with fraud offences which included a scam in 2015
- Featherstone will now fight the charges alone which he ‘fundamentally denies’
The wife of a former police detective was found dead on Christmas Day, leaving him to face fraud charges over their alleged scam alone.
The tragic death of Zoei Charissa Keong, 35, is not being treated as suspicious, but has shocked her partner Mick Featherstone, 38.
The Gold Coast couple were being investigated by the Crime and Conduct Commission (CCC) and were charged with fraud offences for their alleged involvement in a $20million scam involving two fake companies in 2015.
Zoei Charissa Keong, 35, tragic death is not considered suspicious but has shocked her partner Mick Featherstone, 38 (pictured together)
Ms Keong also denied the allegations where police said the pair were key players in the scheme where they manipulated vulnerable people
The commission alleges the pair were employed by Mr Featherstone’s Phoenix Global private investigation firm when they were allegedly involved in a scam which led to investors in a company named ‘Tropical Point’ – collectively losing over $700,000.
Featherstone’s defence lawyer Daniel Hannay told the court that his client ‘fundamentally denies the allegation’ and will fight the charges, Courier Mail reported.
Ms Keong also denied allegations the pair were key players in the scheme where they manipulated vulnerable people.
Police told the courts that Ms Keong and Featherstone would show potential investors fake profits and convince then to sign on for 12-month contracts.
Right before the contract was up the companies would allegedly disappear.
Featherstone’s defence lawyer Daniel Hannay told the court that his client ‘fundamentally denies the allegation’ and will fight the charges
A close friend of Ms Keong described her as ‘a devoted, sensitive and beautiful person who would help anyone in difficulty’.
She said Ms Keong suffered ‘cruel mental torture’ at the hands of the justice system due to the constant court delays.
‘The relentless behaviour of the CCC and the years of delays by our courts in the way they have handled the case means that justice delayed is justice denied and in this case led to a death,’ the friend said.
‘It should be of concern to the Premier and the Attorney-General in how these government departments prosecute these cases and treat people who have not been convicted and who should be afforded a fair go’.
For 24 hour anonymous help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
A close friend of Ms Keong described her as ‘a devoted, sensitive and beautiful person who would help anyone in difficulty’
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