By Oliver Lees
A six month investigation into the location a fugitive wanted on alleged fraud charges has ended with the man being found in Gisborne last week.
Peter Foster was arrested by the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST) on December 7.
The 59-year-old was first arrested by Queensland Police following allegations of fraud in Port Douglas in August 2020.
The charges relate to an alleged $2 million fraud offense.
After being granted bail in March 2021 under the provision that he wear an electronic monitoring device, the man failed to attend a court mandated plea hearing two months later.
At this time the electronic monitoring device, which he was wearing around his ankle, stopped sending a signal, and he was officially declared a figurative.
Following his arrest in Gisborne the man now faces an extradition process to Queensland.
AFP assistant commissioner Nigel Ryan said the arrest was a credit to the collaboration between the AFP and Queensland Police.
“I also thank Victoria Police, NSW Police and the AUSTRAC-led FINTEL Alliance for their engagement and assistance on this matter,” Assistant Commissioner Ryan said.
“We have been working hand in glove together and this man would still be at large without their operational input.”
During the execution of a search warrant for his arrest, Foster attempted to evade police and disclosed a medical condition, for which he was then admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for his condition to be assessed.
Assistant Commissioner Ryan said the FAST team also used information provided by the big four banks to track down Foster.
“There is no safe haven for criminals in Australia. The AFP, with our partner agencies, are relentless in ensuring those wanted for crimes face justice.
“The AFP’s world-leading technical and forensic capabilities is again demonstrating to offenders that there is nowhere to hide.”
