26岁的本杰明·托马斯·辛普金斯是澳大利亚国民党青年分会西澳州委员会的前财务主管，他因涉嫌2023年5月13日在卡坦宁驾车撞死49岁教师卢克·拉塞尔后逃逸而被控[1]。在警方针对该事件的调查中，执法部门发现了一系列欺诈犯罪行为，随即对辛普金斯提出多项新的指控[1]。
调查揭示，辛普金斯于2023年6月利用伪造的大学学位证书进入西澳一家医院担任心脏科学专业人士[1]。同年10月，他又使用伪造文件试图申请进入其他大学深造[1]。此外，他还向最高法院提供了虚假信息[1]。新的犯罪指控包括试图妨碍司法、通过欺诈获利、伪造记录等罪名[1]。警方记录显示，2024年5月期间辛普金斯曾两次在格诺万格鲁普地区驾驶机动车，尽管其驾驶执照已被取消资格，因此他还面临无有效驾驶执照的指控[1]。
该案将在珀斯地方法院和卡坦宁地方法院进行审理[1]。
Benjamin Thomas Simpkins, a 26-year-old former member of the National Party of Australia, is facing multiple fraud and driving-related charges following an investigation that began with the death of a teacher.[1] Simpkins is accused of hitting and killing Luke Russell, a 49-year-old Katanning teacher, on May 13, 2023, and leaving the scene.[1]
During their investigation, authorities uncovered an extensive pattern of fraud involving forged credentials and false representations.[1] Simpkins allegedly used fabricated university degree certificates to secure employment as a cardiac science professional at a Western Australian hospital in June 2023.[1] He later attempted to gain admission to another university in October 2023 using forged documents.[1] Authorities also allege he provided false information to the Supreme Court and that he previously served as financial manager of Young Nationals WA.[1] The new charges include attempting to pervert the course of justice, fraud to obtain financial advantage, forgery, and driving without a valid license.[1] Simpkins drove twice in Gnowangerup during May 2024 while his license was disqualified.[1]
Simpkins is scheduled to appear in Katanning Magistrates Court on September 15 and Perth Magistrates Court on September 18.[1]