By Joseph Nathaniel.
Queenstown, New Zealand — August 19, 2025
A Queenstown couple stand accused of faking a cancer diagnosis to swindle friends and associates out of more than $1 million.
Andrew Stewart Jones, 28, and Sepiuta Setaita Vave, 38, allegedly ran the elaborate scam between 2021 and February this year.
Police say the pair convinced people that money was needed for urgent cancer treatment, then expanded the ruse with stories about overseas accounts and mounting costs.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye of the Tasman Organised Crime Unit said the couple were observed living a “high-life” lifestyle in Wānaka, renting expensive homes and driving European cars.
Earlier charges were already laid in April 2024 over a separate fraud of about $79,000 involving two victims. The latest allegations bring the total amount involved to more than $1,044,500.
Jones and Vave appeared briefly in Queenstown District Court last week and were remanded in custody by consent. Their next appearance is scheduled in Christchurch District Court, via audiovisual link, on August 25, 2025.
Police confirmed a forensic financial investigation is underway, with assets being seized where possible to repay victims.
They believe more people may have been targeted and are urging anyone who provided money to the couple under the belief it was for cancer treatment to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tasman Organised Crime Unit in Greymouth and quote case number 241031/7310
The Paper 