25 Aug 2025

More charges laid in Wānaka couple's alleged fake cancer scam

6:43 pm on 25 August 2025
Christchurch District Court

The couple appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Monday morning via audio-visual link. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Further charges have been laid against a Wānaka couple accused of defrauding people, including one who's lost more than a million dollars, through false cancer claims.

Sepiuta Vave and Andrew Jones are charged with defrauding family, friends and associates through the fake cancer scam.

Police said they have identified 10 possible victims and further charges are likely.

The couple appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Monday morning via audio-visual link, where Vave pleaded not guilty.

Jones is yet to enter a plea.

The pair have been remanded in custody and will reappear in court next month.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.