Dean the German Shepard was just 10 weeks old when he was taken from his owner.
Still a tiny puppy, he had unwittingly become the centre of an alleged payment scam that would eventually lead police to uncover 50 suspected criminal offences.
But this is one police story with a happy ending.
Dean is back with his original owner, safe and healthy, thanks to an unlikely helping hand from Queensland’s State Flying Squad.
The little pup’s troubles began on August 10, when a 33-year-old Edens Landing man allegedly used false proof of payment to purchase him.
According to Queensland Police, the man took Dean after presenting what appeared to be confirmation that the money had been transferred.
But police allege the payment was not genuine.
Dean’s owner reported the incident on September 7, setting in motion an investigation that would eventually bring the little German shepherd to the attention of some of Queensland’s specialist detectives.
In October, the State Flying Squad arrived in Logan to help local police investigate criminal offences.
And among their cases was the rather unusual matter of a missing puppy named Dean.
Investigators tracked down the Edens Landing man, who relinquished Dean to police.
Before returning him to his owner, officers arranged for a thorough veterinary examination to make sure the young pup was alright.
The verdict was the best news anyone could have hoped for.
Dean had a clean bill of health.
And with that, the little German shepherd was reunited with his original owner.
State Flying Squad Detective Sergeant Darren Mills said Dean’s unusual case showed the lengths investigators were prepared to go to help victims.
“While this isn’t a typical situation we would face during a deployment, it shows how willing our investigators are to provide investigative support however it is needed,” he said.
“The squad will continue to deploy to Logan whenever they’re needed, to provide an investigative surge capacity with extra boots on the ground.”
But the investigation had another surprise in store.
What began as an alleged fraudulent puppy purchase ultimately left the Edens Landing man facing 50 criminal charges.
Alongside the fraud charge, further investigations resulted in 43 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, three of stealing, two of supplying medicines and one of possessing things used.
“The further 49 offences that followed the fraud charge were the result of a thorough investigation conducted by our officers, and we’re always looking to achieve the best outcome for victims,” Detective Sergeant Mills said.
The man is expected to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on November 5.
For police, the investigation uncovered far more than an allegedly dishonest puppy purchase.
But amid the charges, detectives and court proceedings, there was one small victory worth celebrating.
After a seven week ordeal, Dean the little German shepherd got to go home.
