Alex Cracknell

Legal

Ian Thorpe allegedly scammed out of six-figure sum

Ian Thorpe allegedly scammed out of six-figure sum

Australian Olympic legend Ian Thorpe has reportedly fallen victim to a scam involving a significant financial loss, with police confirming an investigation is underway into an alleged theft incident.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist, known affectionately as Thorpedo, was seen at Paddington Police Station in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Thursday afternoon, reportedly to file a complaint relating to an insurance matter.

In a statement, New South Wales Police said: “A 42-year-old man attended Paddington Police Station to report an alleged theft incident. Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command have commenced an investigation. There is no further information available at this time.”

Radio host Ben Fordham broke the news on 2GB, revealing that Thorpe had spent an extended period at the station. “It turns out that Thorpey has reported to police that he’s a victim of crime, and it’s not a small financial setback either,” Fordham said. “We believe that he’s in the red to the tune of $150,000.”

At this stage, it is unclear whether the alleged scam occurred online or in person.

Thorpe’s manager, James Erskine, confirmed that the swimmer had visited police in relation to an “insurance job”, a detail Fordham suggested may point to a potential robbery.

Now 42, Thorpe remains a prominent figure in Australian sport and media, having transitioned to commentary roles following his retirement from competitive swimming. He was last reported to be living in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with his Woollahra townhouse listed for sale late last year.

Police inquiries are ongoing.

Images: Shutterstock / Instagram

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