A 34-year-old Queensland social media influencer has been arrested and charged with allegedly poisoning her one-year-old daughter to gain financial donations and followers.
As per BBC, Authorities claim the woman used unauthorised medications to induce medical distress in her child, subsequently photographing and filming the baby’s pain to solicit funds online.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
According to Queensland Police, the woman is accused of administering poison to her daughter without medical approval between August and October 2023. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton stated that she ignored medical advice, obtained leftover prescription medicines meant for others in her household, and used them on her child.
“We believe the person we have charged administered these drugs to increase her social media profile and obtain a financial benefit,” ABC News quoted Dalton.
Medical experts alerted authorities after the child was admitted to a hospital in October, suffering a severe medical episode. Tests conducted in January confirmed the presence of unauthorized medications.
The woman allegedly raised AUD 60,000 ($37,300 USD) on GoFundMe by claiming her child had a terminal illness. GoFundMe stated it was cooperating with law enforcement and issuing proactive refunds to donors.
Authorities said the child is now in stable condition and no longer in her mother’s care. Police emphasized the hospital staff involved had acted appropriately and expressed sympathy for their distress in handling the case.
The woman has been charged with multiple offenses, including administering poison with intent to harm, making child exploitation material, and fraud. She is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
Detective Inspector Dalton described the crimes as “repulsive” and highlighted the meticulous concealment of the alleged acts. Despite investigating other individuals, police concluded the evidence supported charges only against the mother.
