He was one of Australia’s greatest fraudsters, now a documentary is uncovering his extraordinary story
Sydney Morning Herald
by Bridget McManusFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
**John Friedrich: The Elusive Fraudster and Search-and-Rescue Visionary**
John Friedrich, a lesser-known figure in Australian history, emerges as both a mastermind of fraud and a visionary leader. In the 1970s and 1980s, he headed the Victorian division of the National Safety Council (NSC), where he orchestrated a $300 million embezzlement scheme while simultaneously building an elite search-and-rescue operation. His story, now the subject of Marc Fennell’s new documentary *Australia’s Greatest Conman*, highlights the extraordinary—and often contradictory—aspects of his legacy.
Fennell stumbled upon Friedrich’s tale while researching forgotten chapters of Australian history, realizing that such a gripping narrative deserved wider recognition. Despite initial skepticism from his team about the legitimacy of Friedrich’s achievements, Fennell was drawn to the story’s uniqueness. He noted, “If this happened in America or Britain, there’d be 14 films about it by now.” The documentary explores how Friedrich managed to build a reputation as a hero while concealing his fraudulent activities, leaving behind a trail of financial ruin and unanswered questions.
The film delves into the challenges of uncovering Friedrich’s story. Journalists and former NSC employees were reluctant to speak due to fear of tarnishing their reputations or revisiting traumatic experiences. Yet, some expressed lingering loyalty to him, with one employee telling Fennell, “If John walked into this room right now saying he’s getting the band back together, I’d follow him.” This sentiment underscores the complex relationship between Friedrich and those who worked
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/13/2026