What happened to Vanishing Act's Melissa Caddick and where is she now?

Her home had been raided by authorities two days prior, as part of an investigation into fraud, as it was alleged that she had misappropriated between A$20m and A$30m from investors.

She was believed to have falsely posed as a financial adviser by using a friend's licence to gain access to funds from more than 60 individuals. A number of her targets were reportedly family and friends, as well as other acquaintances.

This included Caddick's elderly neighbours, who had been conned out of almost $600,000 in superannuation.

Some of the money Caddick took was used to pay dividends to other clients, but the vast majority was supposedly pocketed and spent on a mansion, expensive jewellery, luxury holidays, fast cars and designer clothing and accessories.

The drama attempts to portray the grip that the mystery of Caddick's disappearance had on Australia at the time, but just what did happen to her? Read on for everything you need to know about the true story behind the ITV drama Vanishing Act.

What happened to Vanishing Act's Melissa Caddick and where is she now?

In May 2023, coroner Elizabeth Ryan ruled that Caddick had died.

A foot inside a trainer, which was linked to Caddick by DNA, was found by surfers on a beach 250 miles south of Sydney in February 2021. But there was still no clarity on what exactly had happened - with murder, a grisly mishap and suicide all posited.

"I have concluded that Melissa Caddick is deceased," said Ryan. "However, a more problematic issue is whether the evidence is sufficient to enable a positive finding of how she died and how and when it happened."

Some of those conned by Caddick believe she had removed her own foot to outwit the authorities and remains at large, a theory which was described as "most unlikely" by Ryan.

Others, including her family, believe she had died after jumping from cliffs near her property.

The police enquiry was criticised for being inadequate in the initial stages, with Ryan highlighting the decision not to involve the homicide squad after that possibility was dismissed. She also criticised the length of time it took to review the CCTV footage from the area.

Conflicting accounts from Caddick's husband and the length of time it took him to contact the police also raised eyebrows. Koletti has denied any knowledge of his wife's illegal activities and any involvement in her disappearance, and there was no evidence to suggest otherwise.

"I regret that positive findings cannot be made as to the cause and manner of Ms Caddick’s death," said Ryan. "Ms Caddick's husband, son, parents and brother must surely feel a strong need for finality.

"Melissa Caddick was a wife, mother, daughter and sister. Her disappearance from her family in traumatic circumstances must be a source of deep and ongoing sadness for them."

Vanishing Act is streaming now on ITVX and will start airing on ITV1 at 9pm on Monday 18th December 2023. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our Drama hub for all the latest news.

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