A 34-year-old Gungahlin man is facing 139 fraud and theft-related charges after police searched his home on Monday and recovered a stolen EFTPOS machine, along with bank cards and other identity documents in the names of other people.

In October, police first searched the man’s house following a report of a stolen EFTPOS machine from a hospitality business in Belconnen.

On Monday they returned and also seized numerous identity and falsified documents as well as mobile phones.

Police will allege the man stole more than $16,000 via unauthorised refunds using the EFTPOS machine. It will also be alleged he attempted to steal a further $55,000.

During the search, identity documents relating to 77 people were located. Police will speak with those people to determine if further offences have been committed.

He has been charged with:

• One count of theft, 
• 19 counts of obtain property by deception, 
• 36 counts of attempting to obtain property by deception, 
• Two counts of possessing a device for making false documents, 
• 78 counts of possessing false documents, 
• Two counts of using false documents, and 
• One count of money laundering. 

A forensic examination of the seized items is underway and police have not ruled out further charges.