The two-week inquest into the presumed death of Melissa Caddick is expected to examine the mysterious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The inquest, which started on Monday before Deputy State Coroner Elizabeth Ryan, is set to test many theories, including whether Ms Caddick could have escaped undetected and could still be alive.
Ms Caddick was last seen at her Dover Heights home on the evening of Wednesday, 11 November 2020, and was reported missing two days later.
Ms Caddick, while posing as an adviser, allegedly defrauded 74 investors out of some $24 million.
ASIC had raised concerns that her firm, Maliver, may have been providing financial services without an AFSL, or with the AFSL of another company without authorisation, to unlawfully deal with investor funds.
The Federal Court made interim orders against Ms Caddick and Maliver in November 2020, including a prohibition against her leaving Australia and removing assets held in Australia.
But Ms Caddick had not shown at the first case management hearing of the matter, having vanished.
Three months later, the 49-year-old’s decomposing foot was found on Bournda Beach on the NSW South Coast.
Following this discovery, the NSW Police said they believed she was dead. However, wild theories have since emerged that Ms Caddick could be living in a hidden location without one foot.
Earlier this year, the Federal Court granted permission for the sale of Ms Caddick’s Dover Heights home, giving victim’s hope that they may be able to recoup some of their stolen funds.
According to media reports, Ms Caddick’s husband and parents are expected to give evidence at the inquest, where her mental health will also be discussed.
