The complaint to the SFO alleged that Mr Michaels falsely represented that he was a senior operator in the international casino industry, establishing a NZ based business.  Consequently, he allegedly induced a number of people to invest in the business to the value of $1.1 million.

A second allegedly fraudulent scheme was discovered by the SFO in which Michaels entered into a fictitious enterprise to purchase a motel in Rotorua, requiring advance fee payments of $353,025. Mr Michaels retained these payments and the enterprise was never pursued.

Mr Michaels was charged with 140 counts of obtaining by deception, s 240 Crimes Act 1961.  He subsequently fled NZ.

Mr Michaels has now been extradited back to New Zealand.  He has appeared in the Auckland District Court and was remanded in custody until a further hearing on 27 September.

Mr Michaels has been arrested by Australian Police and extradition is being pursued by the SFO.

If you have questions regarding this case or information that may assist the investigation, please contact Nick Paterson nick.paterson@sfo.govt.nz or 0800 109 800. 

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