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The Case of John Friedrich - Episode 1

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The John Friedrich case is considered one of the most spectacular cases of fraud in Australia's history. In the 1980s, Friedrich immigrated illegally from Germany, rose from an employee of a small rescue organization to the celebrated head of the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA). With spectacular high-tech equipment that would have made even James Bond jealous, Friedrich becomes a national hero. But first doubts arise.


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By Julia Grewe

Source: SBS


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The John Friedrich case is considered one of the most spectacular cases of fraud in Australia's history. In the 1980s, Friedrich immigrated illegally from Germany, rose from an employee of a small rescue organization to the celebrated head of the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA). With spectacular high-tech equipment that would have made even James Bond jealous, Friedrich becomes a national hero. But first doubts arise.


Also watch the SBS documentary Australia's Greatest Conman? on SBS on Demand.

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