Crypto-trader found guilty of killing own mother to claim £500,000 life insurance

A crypto trader has been convicted of murdering his mother to claim over $1 million in life insurance payouts and sustain the illusion of a “perfect life,” a court has revealed.

Colleen Rebelo, 58, was found dead in her bathroom on May 25, 2020, at her home in Perth, Australia. Her youngest son discovered her lifeless body in the shower.

Investigations uncovered that her son, Andre Zachary Rebelo, had taken out three separate life insurance policies totaling $1.2 million AUD (£500,000) against his mother just a week before her death, naming himself as the sole beneficiary.

Despite the sudden and unexpected nature of Ms. Rebelo’s death, first responders did not suspect foul play, and an autopsy failed to determine the cause of death.

At the time, Rebelo and his then-partner, Instagram influencer Grace Piscopo—who boasts over one million followers—portrayed an extravagant lifestyle on social media, sharing images of luxurious holidays, flashy cars, and indulgent experiences.

However, the court heard that the couple was secretly grappling with financial difficulties, amassing debts exceeding $120,000 AUD.

Just days after Ms. Rebelo’s death, Rebelo, 28, aggressively pursued insurance companies for payouts, including a $500,000 AUD (£252,000) policy. 

To secure the claims, he submitted fabricated health and death records, forged copies of his mother’s medical documents and coroner’s report, and even used an AI-generated voice to impersonate Ms. Rebelo’s psychologist in a voicemail to the insurer.

Years later, an insurance company employee flagged the case, suspecting Rebelo of fraudulently attempting to claim life insurance.

Following the tip-off, police launched an investigation into the circumstances of Ms. Rebelo’s death. 

In 2022, her son was arrested and charged with her murder, which the jury has now found him guilty of committing.