QLD:Wanted Qld Health employee in hospital

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2011
QLD:Wanted Qld Health employee in hospital

By Darren Cartwright

BRISBANE, Dec 11 AAP - A public servant wanted over $16 million missing from Queensland
Health is in police custody in Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Hohepa Morehu-Barlow, also known as Joel Barlow, was taken into custody early on Monday
morning when he was about to enter his New Farm unit, police say.

Police are yet to confirm the reasons for Morehu-Barlow being taken to hospital, but
it's understood he may have been affected by drugs.

Police Minister Neil Roberts said he didn't know whether Morehu-Barlow put up a struggle
when arrested.

Charges are yet to be laid.

"In the early hours of this morning, a little after 3.30am I understand, the alleged
offender presented himself and tried to get into a unit and they were able to apprehend
him," Mr Roberts told ABC News.

"The individual has been taken into custody and is undergoing questioning.

"Police will release further details throughout the day.

"It's very satisfying to see it brought to an early conclusion."

A nationwide search for 36-year-old Morehu-Barlow began last Thursday after it was
discovered millions of dollars, destined for Queensland charities, had allegedly been
ripped off the government.

The government believes the money was directed into private accounts over three years,
with one amount of $11 million going missing in the past two weeks.

An employee raised the alarm when a discrepancy was uncovered last Thursday.

New Zealand-born Morehu-Barlow has been a Queensland Health employee since 2005.

Police froze $12 million of his assets last Friday, including a swank property, luxury
cars and artwork.

Premier Anna Bligh congratulated police for locating Morehu-Barlow and vowed to uncover
how the alleged fraud was carried out.

"Police have acted calmly and methodically and covered all the bases," Ms Bligh said
in a statement.

"This morning they got their man.

"This is just the beginning. It is unacceptable that this could happen and we are working
to close any loopholes that exist."

AAP dac/it/was

KEYWORD: MILLIONS 3RD UPDATE

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