US Fraud Suspect Arrested by Police in Queensland

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An international fugitive accused of welfare fraud in the United States has been arrested in Queensland following months on the run. The man, who identified himself as Paul Sorin Kimpian, 32, was apprehended by Australian police on July 21 at a bus stop near the Albany Creek Shopping Village, north of Brisbane.

Queensland Police said the suspect, believed to be of Romanian descent and approximately 184 centimetres tall, was dressed in business attire at the time of the arrest. Authorities believe he may be using multiple aliases, including Jean Paul Fontaine and Roman Janecek.

Under the alias Roman Janecek, the man is wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly defrauding welfare recipients in California through a sophisticated electronic benefit card cloning scheme. He was reportedly granted bail in 2023 with a bond of $50,000. However, he violated the conditions by cutting off his GPS ankle monitor and fleeing the country.

It remains unclear how he entered Australia. This has prompted an investigation into possible identity fraud and illegal border entry methods. Authorities discovered he was in possession of a forged French passport and had allegedly stolen a prepaid Visa gift card. He is also suspected of traveling widely across Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns, using public transport before his arrest.

Queensland Police have charged him with six counts of fraud, one count each of attempted fraud, stealing, forgery, possession of false documents, dealing in identification information, and contravening police attendance requirements. The total value of the alleged fraud in Australia is estimated to be between $10,000 and $12,000.

He appeared in Brisbane Arrests Court shortly after his arrest. The matter was adjourned to September 11. Legal Aid Queensland confirmed that extradition proceedings are being discussed in cooperation with U.S. authorities, although no formal extradition timeline has been announced.

The case underscores the increasing complexity of transnational crime and highlights the need for continued cooperation between local and international law enforcement agencies. Queensland Police have urged anyone with additional information about the suspect to come forward as investigations continue into his movements and activities prior to his arrest.