“Australian Fugitive”, Michael Jon Fuller statement

An Idaho Falls man has lived here quietly building his business, but now he’s accused of being Australia’s most wanted fugitive.

It’s a story that dates back 35 years.

Australia media says Michael Jon Fulller is a fugitive on the run after a corporate scandal at one of that countries most notorious banks. Thousands of miles away, that supposed fugitive has been living under a false identity in Idaho Falls for decades.

It’s a crime story you would only expect to see in the movies or read in a spy thriller. But it’s making headlines around the world.

Local News 8 exclusively obtained a statement from a representative for the company Fuller owns in Idaho.

TOPS Knives is owned by Michael Jon Fuller.

“A recent news story has surfaced from60 Minutes Australiacondemning Michael Fuller as a criminal because of an incident that occurred in Australia over 35 years ago. This is untrue and inaccurate. While we empathize with those who lost money, as with any investment, Michael Fuller is not to blame.

Michael Fuller was a Green Beret in the US Army during the Vietnam conflict and earned the Distinguished Service Cross in honor of his service to the USA and his bravery in combat.

After serving in the US Military, Mike lived in Australia for a time and when a business that he was a part of collapsed, he left the country due to numerous death threats that he and his wife had received. He was never charged with any crime or arrested and has not been extradited because he did not commit any crimes in conjunction with this incident.

Michael Fuller has not been in hiding in the US. He has had to work hard and long hours to make a living just like anyone else. Since living in Idaho, he has been running a small business, which started out in a garage with minimal tools and materials, and with money that was invested by people that helped to design the first knives the company made. The company has been successful due to the hard work and dedication of Mike and his staff as well as the quality of the tools and craftsmanship.

Leo Espinoza is the current President of TOPS Knives. He has been working as the Vice President for several years. Mike has allowed him to make most, if not all, of the company’s decisions over the last 3-4 years. His recent retirement is due to his failing health as well as that of his wife, not because of Australian reporting. TOPS Knives has always and will continue to operate with honesty and integrity.”