Goh Ching Boon, 50, of Malaysia attempted to purchase an Apple Notebook computer in a Geelong retail establishment. But when staff became suspicious of his credit card and driver’s license, he ran from the Westfield store, tossed his wallet into the bay, and tried to escape down Moorabool Street.

The store’s security personnel gave chase and Goh was nabbed. The wallet was retrieved from Corio Bay and found to contain fraudulent credit cards and a false driver’s license.

Thursday, he was charged in Geelong Magistrates’ Court with attempting to obtain property fraudulently. Goh pleaded guilty.

The series of events outlined by the police prosecutor, Leading Senior Constable Geoff Lamb, could have been lifted from a crime novel.

Goh arrived in Australia on 23 October, although in 2005 immigration authorities had refused him entry. In Melbourne, he made contact with an Australian organised crime syndicate allegedly through a man known as John Lee. Three days later, John Lee handed Goh a mobile phone, the fake driver’s license, and counterfeited credit cards.

Goh claims that, for every computer he purchased with the false credit cards, he’d be paid $100. He claimed he had gambling debts in Malaysia and needed the money.

Immigration authorities are awaiting his sentencing and then intend to deport him. Police have his passport.

Goh’s attorney, Mary Foley, suggested her client be released on condition he leave the jurisdiction immediately and pay all his available funds, $150, to the court fund. Sen-Constable Lamb argued that it would be more difficult for immigration to locate him if he was freed into the community. Sen-Constable Lamb also pointed out that Goh has no accommodation and if all his available cash is paid to the court fund, he cannot provide for himself.

However, Magistrate Stephen Myall stated that keeping Goh in prison could rack up more gaol time than he would earn through sentencing. A decision is due today.

Source: The Geelong Advertiser