Second woman sought for swindling banks

Police believe the women, whose appearance may have changed since these photographs were taken, are still in the country.

Police believe the women, whose appearance may have changed since these photographs were taken, are still in the country.

Police are now seeking a second woman in connection with the mortgage scam that swindled banks out of more than half a million dollars.

The Herald revealed two weeks ago how the woman, pictured wearing glasses, convinced three lawyers to arrange mortgages for homes she did not own.

Using false passports and taking on the identities of the people who actually owned the homes the woman managed to defraud several banks, collecting at least $540,000 for her efforts.

The lawyers were unaware that her identification was false.

Yesterday the officer investigating that fraud, Detective Constable Blair Gourdie, said police now wanted to speak to a second woman about the scam.

In March 2005, the woman, photographed a year ago with shoulder-length hair, featured in the Herald's crimescene column as a person of interest to the fraud squad. She was wanted in connection with identity theft and mortgage fraud.

Mr Gourdie said both women might have changed their appearances since their passport photographs where taken.

He believed that despite having access to false passports, the pair were still in the country.

The fraud squad would like to hear from anyone who knows or has had contact with either of them.

Contact Detective Constable Blair Gourdie on 302-6400.

The Herald is also keen to hear from anyone who has had dealings with either woman: see the link below to send an email.