SOCIETY CROOK.

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9797, 6 May 1924, Page 2

SOCIETY CROOK.

SENSATION IN GENEVA. ARREST OF HANDSOME AMERICAN WOMAN. ALLEGED FRAUDS TOTALLING £12.000,000. United Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, May 2. The Daily Express’ Geneva correspondent states that Mrs Taintor, a handsome middle-aged American of charming manner, lias been arrested for frauds totalling £12,000,000. Records supplied from the Chief European capitals shows that Taintor and his wife arrived from New York in 1918, 'They joined an international gang of swindlers, and lived like millionares at the expense of their dupes. The Taintor,s then worked Paris hotels independently till 1920, when Taintor was sentenced to two years imprisonment for issuing false cheques. The sentence was later reduced to six months and deportation. Taintor became engaged to a countess, whom lie persuaded to accompany him to America with her fortune. Mrs Taintor went to Brussels, where slio committed frauds totalling £IOO,OOO within a year. She was arrested in Munich, taken to Brussels m d sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

When liberated Mrs Taintor went to Zurich with a retinue of servants, and resumed luxurious hotel and social life, as a fascinating widow. The self-declared heiress found new victims, becoming engaged separately to three of the wealthiest residents, who showered presents upon her before their suspicions were aroused.— A .and N.Z.C.A.