A BEAUDESERT woman has been arrested following a six month investigation into alleged fraud offences involving a wedding dress business in Cairns.

Operation Victor Rickenbacker was established after a custom wedding dress was given to the woman for dry cleaning in September 2022.

The customer recognised her wedding dress in posts on social media and realised it had been sold.

Cairns detectives executed a search warrant at properties in Edmonton, Cairns North and Smithfield, seizing electronic devices, documents and replica wedding gowns.

As the investigation progressed, it will be alleged an additional 69 victims contacted police with similar complaints between January 2019 and July 2023.            

On January 2 detectives arrested a 53-year-old Beaudesert woman at a Cryna Rd address.

She has since been charged with 70 counts of fraud and will appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on January 30.

Officer in charge of Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Hogan said the outcome of the six month investigation was the result of outstanding police work.

“Detectives worked tirelessly and in cooperation with the 70 alleged victims during this six month operation,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Hogan said.

“There may be more victims yet to contact police, if you have any information about suspected fraudulent businesses, please report it to Policelink.”