Couple jailed for forging $6.7M will to steal dead man's estate
Matthew Barnes and Magnolia Farmer fabricated a fake will and false relationship to seize a dead man's $6.7 million property and savings.
Matthew Barnes, 40, and Magnolia Farmer, 41, executed an elaborate fraud to steal the estate of Marino 'Mingo' Mikleus. Barnes forged a 2021 will naming himself as the sole beneficiary and life partner, claiming the estate worth $6.7 million including four properties and a $696,382 superannuation account.
Farmer signed a sworn affidavit falsely supporting the relationship and invented a grotesque lie about the two men to convince authorities. At sentencing in Wollongong District Court, prosecutors argued Farmer's role was essential to the fraud's success.
She later told the court she had been manipulated by Barnes.
Why it mattersThe case reveals how complex estate fraud schemes can exploit legal processes, affecting elderly people and their genuine beneficiaries.
AustraliaAustralian courts and probate offices may tighten checks on wills and relationships declared in estate proceedings to prevent similar fraud.
Open this story in InSnip →
