A CONMAN who preys on gay men is wanted for offences in Ballarat.
Police claim Andrew Charles Tabb, who also goes by the names of David Hurley and John Eaton, has been working gay venues and beats across Victoria, including Ballarat.
It's alleged that Tabb picks up men from a range of places, goes home with them and later leaves with their credit cards, passports and licences.
The alleged thief then uses the stolen documents to buy rare coins, stamps and art works before selling them on to interstate dealers.
The deception is believed to have reaped $6 million over the past four years.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Glenane said Ballarat CIU was involved with the interstate investigation.
Det Sen Sgt Glenane said he believed Tabb visited Ballarat in 2000 and may now be in Sydney.
"He's a major target and he's wanted by police in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and by the Australian Federal Police," he said.
"Offences include burglary, theft, handling stolen goods, obtaining property by deception, false accounting and forgery.
"He consistently befriends males and sometimes lives with them for some time before stealing documents.
"We believe he has committed some offences in Ballarat although he's not been here for several years."
Acting Sergeant David Gamble, from the police media unit, said the 43-year-old conman selected victims from gay venues in Melbourne as well as targeting large provincial cities like Ballarat.
"Police believe the deceptions have occurred throughout the last four years in inner Melbourne suburbs and country Victoria including Ballarat," Acting Sgt Gamble said.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Ballarat CIU on 5336 6080.