Man fakes own kidnapping to cheat on girlfriend, ordered to pay police for wasting their time

A man who faked his own kidnapping just so he could meet up with his mistress has been ordered to pay authorities for wasting time to find him.

CNN International reported on Sept. 28 that Paul Iera was asked to pay $10,000 (P566,505) "for 200 hours worth of police work after his partner reported him missing."

The incident took place on Dec. 31, 2022, when the 35-year-old Australian told his girlfriend he had to see his "financial guy" for an important meeting.

His partner later received a text that said: "Thank you for sending Paul to me, now payback is a ***** bye bye. We will keep him with us until the morning wen (sic) he gives us his bike we call it square." It prompted her to alert the police, who conducted a search for the "missing" person immediately.

Iera and his mistress were seen at a police roadblock the next day, but he insisted he got kidnapped by Middle Eastern men who gave him permission to leave later on.

He got arrested 12 days later, after the authorities found that he was lying. Aside from being charged with "making a false accusation with the intent to subject another person to investigation," the Aussie also received a three-year community correction order. The magistrate, however, decided he doesn't have to go to jail for his "abhorrent" crime.

In a statement, Iera's lawyer said he "has made tremendous rehabilitative progress" since his detainment.

"Mr. Iera continues to enjoy the support of his family and partner, and wishes to move forward with his life as a productive member of the community," he added.