Gold Coast Man Charged Over Alleged Extortion

A 39-year-old Miami man has been charged over the alleged extortion and stalking of three people on the Gold Coast, following a police investigation into two incidents this month.

Queensland Police allege that on July 18, two men attended a home in Mermaid Waters and identified themselves as debt collectors before demanding a significant amount of money from a 28-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman. The pair were allegedly taken to a nearby shopping-centre café, where further threats were made by a man they had previously been involved with in a Broadbeach business venture. No one was injured.

Police further allege that the same two men attended a home in Currumbin Waters on July 26 and demanded money from a 47-year-old man, making threats in the process. The man had previously been involved in a restaurant business venture with the 39-year-old man.

Officers executed a search warrant at a Miami residence on July 28, where they allegedly found drugs and arrested the 39-year-old. He was charged with three counts each of extortion and unlawful stalking, as well as possessing dangerous drugs and prescription medication. He was scheduled to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on July 29, while investigations continue.