A couple in Adelaide has been arrested for allegedly fundraising for their six-year-old’s fake cancer diagnosis.
It’s alleged they raised about $60,000 over a two-week period.
South Australia Police allege the couple, both 44, shaved their child’s hair and eyebrows, and placed them in a wheelchair, to make it seem like they had received radiotherapy.
An investigation by police confirmed the child has not been receiving medical treatment.
“We believe this farce illness is causing significant and serious psychological harm to the child and their sibling,” SA Police Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said in a statement.
DeCandia said he “couldn’t think of a more devious or cruel scheme that the parents have done to their child”, and that it “may have an impact on people that genuinely need that assistance”.
The child, and their sibling, have since been removed from the parents’ custody.
The parents have been charged with two counts of criminal neglect and deceiving another to benefit self. They have been refused bail.
People who have donated to the campaign are urged to contact SA police.
