Couple accused of $1m cancer scam to remain in custody

1:17 pm on 7 October 2025
Christchurch District Court

Christchurch District Court. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

* This story has been updated to clarify details of the charges faced.

A Wānaka man accused of being part of a million-dollar fraud through false cancer claims will remain in custody for now.

The Crown said Andrew Jones, 28, and his wife Sepiuta Vave, 38, were facing more than a dozen deception charges relating to six complainants.

Some of the charges related to defrauding people by claiming the money was for cancer treatment that was not needed.

Jones pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of obtaining by deception when he appeared at the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday.

Judge Stephen O'Driscoll declined his bail application on Friday.

Submissions relating to the bail decision were suppressed, as well as details of the alleged victims.

Vave pleaded not guilty last month and was remanded in custody.

The couple were due to appear in court again later this month.

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