The personal details of thousands of people across south-east Queensland have potentially been stolen in a major data breach.
A man is accused of breaking into multiple mortgage brokers and tax offices, 9News can exclusively reveal.
According to court records, Joseph Kelly, a man in his 30s, faces allegations of burglarizing Mortgage Choice offices and an ITP Tax office earlier this week, between Monday and Wednesday.
He allegedly targeted three buildings on the Gold Coast, along with one in Logan and another in Ipswich.
Police allege Kelly stole computers and filing cabinets, transferring an unknown amount of sensitive client data onto his own encrypted device.
It’s understood the stolen data may include drivers licences, passports, payslips and mortgage applications.
Police sources say he could face separate fraud charges for each customer whose information was allegedly taken.
ITP Queensland has reached out to 64 clients who may have been affected, whereas Mortgage Choice is in the process of determining the number of its customers who have been impacted by the incident.
The ATO confirmed to 9News its systems have not been compromised.
Kelly has also been charged with possessing dangerous drugs and attempting to enter another office in Robina.
He’s been remanded in custody and his matter will return to Southport Magistrates Court next Monday.
