NZ's fake Tahitian prince will be paying for his crimes until long after he's released for $16m fraud
Joel Morehu-Barlow liked to dress in designer suits.
Kiwi Joel Morehu-Barlow - known as the "fake Tahitian prince" could be released from prison in Australia any day, but will pay for his $16 million fraud for the rest of his life.
Morehu-Barlow, pulled off Queensland's single largest fraud, stealing A$16.69 million over four years, living a life of luxury while telling colleagues and friends he was a Polynesian Prince.
He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in 2013 for fraud and drug possession and became eligible for parole last month. Queensland officials are considering whether to release and deport the fraudster back to New Zealand.
A piece of artwork bought by Morehu-Barlow from the proceeds of his $16m fraud.
His offending was a source of deep embarrassment to the Queensland Government, because it went undetected for so long, and the revelation of previous convictions for fraud in New Zealand led to better trans-Tasman information-sharing.
READ MORE:
* Kiwi's fraud of farcical proportions
* Accused swindler Hohepa Morehu-Barlow arrested
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Auckland lawyer Paul Dalkie said Queensland would be keen to rid themselves as soon as the possibly could.
These statues were among the treasure-trove of items accumulated by Queensland Health fraudster Hohepa Morehu-Barlow, also known as Joel Barlow.
"The Federal government wants to get rid of undesirables, and Mr Barlow is definitely one of them. They shouldn't have him in the first place.
"The absurdity is this guy goes to Queensland and first of all he gets into the country having had convictions here in NZ for dishonesty.
"Lo and behold he gets a job where he's got his hands in the cookie jar, and explains away the Louis Vuitton suits by claiming he's a Tahitian prince. The whole thing's nutty. As soon as he comes up for parole, I'd have him extradited and just get rid of him."
A Louid Vuitton briefcase, with Morehu-Barlow's preferred initials HRH (His Royal Highness) was among a trove of items recovered by police.
Dalkie said the Queensland Government could continue to chase Morehu-Barlow for the outstanding millions he owes them by placing an order with the High Court in New Zealand.
"Every now and then they can have a look and see what he's doing, how much money he's got, and clip his wages."
When Morehu-Barlow was detained in 2011, police found a massive trove of luxury items, including Louis Vuitton briefcases and golf bags with his fictitious HRH initials, standing for His Royal Highness, inscribed on them.
Two 18 carat gold Mont Blanc pens, expected to fetch $1800 each, are among the treasure-trove of items accumulated by accused Queensland Health fraudster Hohepa Morehu-Barlow, also known as Joel Barlow
Luxury items including artwork, statues, a model yacht, six litres of Hennessy Cognac, valued at $25,000, were auctioned to recoup some of the money.
But even after the sale of two properties, more than $10m was still missing.
A Queensland Corrective Services spokeswoman said they were prevented from discussing the management of individual prisoners or parolees by law, and cannot comment on matters related to reparations.
Morehu-Barlow.
Last week a Queensland Government spokesman told Australian media: "Mr Barlow's future is currently a matter under the consideration of the Queensland Parole Board."
Morehu-Barlow would have to pay back $11,000 a week just to clear the interest on his debt to Queensland, which could see him paying back the state for the rest of his life.
- Sunday Star Times
