The Mysterious Disappearance of an Unscrupulous Fraudster. What Happened to Melissa Caddick?
You can live without a foot.
There’s a news story that has captivated the attention of much of Australia recently, myself included. I’m not sure if it’s because the fraudster at the center of the story is a woman, but I suspect that’s at least part of why it’s piqued my interest.
Melissa Caddick stole over twenty million dollars from her family and close friends before her severed foot washed up on a beach three months after her mysterious disappearance. She spent years systematically defrauding dozens of investors in her fake retirement fund/Ponzi scheme, using the money to instead fund a high-flying lifestyle of designer luxury. Melissa apparently had everyone fooled — even her toyboy husband — until the day it all came tumbling down.
Then she disappeared.
The Case so Far
Since at least 2013 Melissa had been convincing friends and family members she was a savvy investor who would take their hard-earned savings and make them unheard-of returns for their retirement. Often she told potential investors her books were full, only for a much-coveted spot to fortuitously open up a few weeks later.
