Asia-Pacific News
Bogus philanthropist faces Australian court
Jun 17, 2009, 7:36 GMT
Sydney - Charities, hospitals and sports clubs may have to return donations from a 27-year-old Australian who allegedly defrauded insurance companies by claiming he had a terminal illness.
Clint Elford faced a Sydney court Wednesday on charges that he bilked insurance companies of 500,000 Australian dollars (395,000 US dollars) and stood to gain 13 million Australian dollars through deception if multiple life insurance policies were paid out.
Police alleged Elford forged documents purportedly from doctors and lawyers confirming he was dying of the neurological disorder Shy-Drager Syndrome. He was denied bail.
Police arrested Elford after he appeared in disguise on national television claiming that a donation he made to a cash-strapped rugby league club had been pocketed by one of its officials.
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