Fresh charges for model of Australia’s Commonwealth Games team after he allegedly stole $600,000 from an 88-year-old dementia patient in ‘sickening’ scam
Two brothers in Sydney have faced fresh charges over an alleged scam that cost an 88-year-old man with dementia more than $600,000. Police say the case involved impersonating bank staff and gaining access to the man’s accounts; the new charges expand the allegations against both men.
George Mensah, 22, has been charged with additional deception and identity-information offences, while his brother Jesse, 25, faces further deception and identity offences, as well as a charge of possessing an unauthorised pistol. Police allege the scam lasted about a year and involved buying shares and transferring money. A third man was also charged over allegedly trading $32,000 in shares. The brothers’ solicitor says they will defend the charges and has suggested others may have been involved.
In short
- Two brothers face fresh charges over an alleged $600,000 scam.
- Police say an 88-year-old man with dementia was targeted.
- Their solicitor says they will defend the charges.
Explained simply
Dementia can affect memory, judgement and a person’s ability to manage everyday tasks, which may leave them more vulnerable to people seeking access to their money. Banks use identity checks and other safeguards to help protect customers’ accounts.
Police say the alleged scheme involved posing as bank staff and accessing an older man’s accounts over about a year. The case involves two brothers, George and Jesse Mensah, and a third man who is accused of trading shares; the brothers’ lawyer says they will contest the charges.
The allegations concern both the man’s savings and the use of his identity and accounts. The charges have not been proved, and the case will be dealt with through the courts.