Wānaka alleged cancer treatment fraud case

The story so far

In August 2025, a 28-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were arrested and charged after allegedly defrauding someone of more than $1 million over two years, with police saying the money was taken for cancer treatment that was never needed or obtained.^{14 Aug 2025} Police named the couple and alleged they took sums ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million from family, friends and associates for fake cancer treatments.^{15 Aug 2025} In September they pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding more than a dozen people, and the man was kept in custody after his court appearance.^{12 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 14 Aug 2025Two people charged after allegedly defrauding over $1 million for unneeded cancer treatment.
2. 15 Aug 2025Police name couple, alleging fake cancer treatments defrauded family, friends and associates.
3. 20 Aug 2025Ten potential victims identified; restricted weapons and ammunition found in linked storage unit.
4. 25 Aug 2025Couple appears in Christchurch District Court and is refused bail.
5. 12 Sep 2025Couple pleads not guilty to defrauding more than a dozen people.
6. 25 Sep 2025Woman faces sexual assault charge alongside million-dollar cancer fraud allegations.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.