Mystery Man Who Left Suitcase Stuffed with Nearly $1 Million at Australian Pizzeria Arrested by Police
A strange man who left a suitcase stuffed with nearly $1 million in cash at an Australian pizzeria was arrested Wednesday by New South Wales police. To make matters all the more bizarre, police delivered the odd patron — allegedly a 49-year-old from Hong Kong who was in Australia in a student visa — to the hospital for an unknown pre-existing medical condition.
The unusual story began on Tuesday, when staff members at the Caffe Marco got the shock of their lives after discovering a suitcase stuffed with approximately $977,000 in cash. The suitcase was left behind by the man, said to be nervous-looking and dressed like a surfer. Staff called police thinking the bag might actually contain a bomb.
The AP reports that detectives are waiting until the man recovers from his mystery affliction before asking him more questions about the cash.
Senior Constable Chris Nash said that if the money legitimately belongs to the man it would be returned but if the cash is proceeds from a crime it will likely be forfeited to the government.
Time adds:
“Our friend in hospital has some questions to answer once he is released,” acting Superintendent Ian Pryde told the Morning Herald. The unlocked suitcase was full of genuine, used Australian currency in various denominations, along with personal items and identification documents, Pryde added.
The man, reportedly dressed in a yellow sleeveless shirt, shorts and sandals, left the bag in Caffe Marco early Tuesday morning. After ordering coffee, and acting nervously according to staff, he abruptly left – without his suitcase. He was spotted and picked up nearby later in the day.
It’s the second time this year Australian cops have found bags stuffed with large amounts of cash, after two men were charged with recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime when they arrived at a station allegedly carrying two suitcases with millions in cash. But Pryde said the case was still unusual: “I don’t carry that much around with me. Do you? I think most of us are just happy to have $20 in our wallet.”
Reports do not indicate whether or not the pizzeria will receive a reward for turning in the cash, or what the stranger’s ailment might be.
An AP report follows:
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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Prodigy73
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 6:48pmI doubt anyone at the Blaze wrote or edited this article. I am sure it is a copy and paste from the original article.
Lighten up a little.
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thegreatcarnac
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 3:12pmProbably a pay-off to some politician…but the man had a slight stroke before it took place.
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chazman
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 3:03pm… Damnit!! THAT’S MY MONEY!! GIVE IT BACK!!
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richard bensen
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 6:27amMaybe he was saving it so he could send it to Obama for his influence.I hear thats the only way things get done nowdays.
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Choctaw25
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 7:10amMystery and Dilemma solved, It’s my money, I admit it, he was only safeguarding it for me. Please return my bag, as soon as possible.
I sure miss that bag.
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Energizer26
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 3:49amThe pizzeria doesn’t need a reward, someone there is already mysteriously $23k richer
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sissykatz
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 6:37amI don’t like myself of thinking it, but that is exactly what I was thinking….
I guess I just automatically think the worst in people.
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lukerw
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 12:29amWhat ever happened… to the Case of the Billion Dollars in Bearer Bonds?
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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 12:40amThe billion dollars in bonds is in one of Obamas patrons/cronies bank accounts overseas; if this man had been picked up here in the states, you can guarantee the Fed’s would have just swept up the money even if it was his legally.
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spfoam1
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:29pmSum ting wong with man from Hong Kong.
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Salamander
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:17pmPoor guy is probably just trying to get out of China and find safe haven in Australia! Maybe he was part of the ‘rich’ 1% and decided to skip town with his wealth! We’re going to see a lot more of this! 38 lbs of gold would fit in a suitcase–AND be under the weight limit! I don’t think I’d check THAT bag, however!
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Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:05pmHmmm..
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phillipwgirard
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:11pmI second that,,,
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CatB
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 11:17pmYes .. all questions it seems.
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Stoic one
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 12:18amYea I’m scratching my head in wonderment.
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