Harry Gordon: 1949: Born in Te Aroha, New Zealand. Mid-1970s: Leaves for Australia. Late 1990s: Beset by business and personal problems, including a scheme with Ukrainian gangster businessmen. June 2000: Fakes his death in on the Karuah River, NSW. Insurance refuses to pay out on his $3.5m policy because no body is found. July 2001: After coroner declares him dead, leaves Australia on a false passport and travels to Spain, England, and South Africa. Tells his wife he is alive and liaises with her over how to access the insurance money.