Remains of Melissa Caddick found on NSW South Coast
A human foot found by three teenagers camping on the NSW South Coast has been confirmed as the remains of missing Sydney woman Melissa Caddick.
Analysis using DNA from Ms Caddick's toothbrush matched the foot, found within a shoe at Bournda National Park near Tathra, on Sunday.
One of the teenagers picked up the shoe around 2pm, discovering human remains inside when he turned it upside down to throw it out.
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Melissa Caddick disappeared last November. NSW Police Force
Officers identified the shoe as being the same to a pair Ms Caddick was wearing during raids on her home prior to her disappearance.
Footage of the raids innocuously included her feet - which would later prove valuable in matching the shoe to Ms Caddick.
Offshore drift modelling found that a body which entered the water near Ms Caddick's home in Dover Heights in Sydney may have drifted to the South Coast over time.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing said the foot was in a state of decomposition after being in the water for "some time".
"It remains a mystery as to when and how she came into the water," he said.
READ MORE: The timeline of Melissa Caddick's alleged frauds and disappearance
The remains of Melissa Caddick has been found on the NSW South Coast. (Photo: James Brickwood) James Brickwood
The family was "very distressed" after being told of the discovery last night.
Flowers have been left outside the front gate of Ms Caddick's home in Dover Heights.
Ms Caddick, 49, disappeared on November 12 last year after leaving her home for what her husband believed was a morning run at 5.30am.
She and her family lived in affluent Dover Heights in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
It appears Melissa Caddick's remains drifted south from Sydney to the Far South Coast of NSW. Nine
She had been under investigation for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme, using millions from investors to make lavish personal purchases.
READ MORE: Caddick used Commonwealth Bank letterheads on fake documents
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) raided her home as part of an ASIC investigation the day before she disappeared.
A bunch of flowers left outside Melissa Caddick's home in Dover Heights. Nine
Further investigations have found neither Ms Caddick nor her business held a current AFS licence, required under Australian law to provide financial services.
Instead of investing funds from investors, Ms Caddick allegedly transferred money from the business into her personal accounts.
The investigation into Ms Caddick's alleged Ponzi scheme is continuing despite her being presumed dead.
"ASIC's priority is to seek the return of funds to investors in the most efficient way possible," an ASIC spokesperson said.
"ASIC will continue to work with the receivers and provisional liquidators to prepare for the Federal Court hearing listed on 7 and 8 April.
"ASIC's considers the hearing should go ahead as a priority to seek return of funds to investors."
What we know about Melissa Caddick
- Suspected of stealing "tens of millions" from investors
- Spent hundreds of thousands on designer label clothes and ski trips
- AFP raided Dover Heights home as part of ASIC investigation
- Ms Caddick disappeared on November 12, soon after raid
- Left home without wallet or keys, had made zero contact with anyone since
- Remains found on NSW South Coast beach on February 21
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