Boyfriend of murdered backpacker sues police over arrest

The boyfriend of a German backpacker murdered in northern New South Wales 20 years ago is suing the NSW Police Force.

Tobias Moran, formerly known as Tobias Suckfuell, has alleged police maliciously targeted him rather than searching for the truth about how the woman died.

He was charged in 2022 over the death of 25-year-old Simone Strobel, whose naked body was found near the Lismore caravan park they were staying at in February 2005.

Mr Moran spent 10 days in custody and 10 months adhering to bail conditions before the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the charges.

The court ordered the state of New South Wales to pay Mr Moran's legal costs of $190,000.

Mr Moran has now filed civil proceedings in the NSW District Court against the NSW Police for malicious prosecution. 

In a statement, Mr Moran challenged the police motive for the arrest.

"This is an important step towards clearing my name and holding the relevant NSW police officers to account for what I believe was a prosecution driven by improper motives rather than a pursuit of the truth," he said.

Death in Lismore

Simone Strobel disappeared from the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park near the city's CBD on Friday, February 11, 2005.

She had been staying their her then-boyfriend, Tobias Moran, his sister, Katrin Suckfuell, and their friend, Jens Martin.

They reported her missing when she failed to return from a walk after a disagreement.

Six days later, Ms Strobel's body was discovered under palm fronds at a bocce court, less than 100 metres from their campsite.

In late 2025, State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan overturned the findings of a previous inquest.

She found that while Mr Moran could not be completely ruled out as a suspect, it was unlikely he could have killed Ms Strobel without help.

"It is unlikely that Mr [Jens] Martin and Ms [Katrin] Suckfuell were involved in Simone's death; and secondly, it is unlikely that Mr Moran could have acted alone in killing Simone and disposing of her body," Ms O'Sullivan said in handing down her findings.

"I do not, however, accept that the evidence goes so far as to support a finding by me that it is very unlikely Mr Moran was involved in Simone's death".

Mr Moran spoke to the ABC about the unsolved murder earlier this year for the Unravel: Lies in Lismore podcast.

He told ABC journalist Richard Baker he was innocent and that police developed "tunnel vision" about him at the expense of finding Ms Strobel's killer.

"Crucial evidence has not been considered," Mr Moran said in the podcast.

"They've been on the wrong track for 20 f***ing years … I think the Australian public has a right to know that this is a full Muppet show."

Stewart O'Connell SC is representing Mr Moran in the civil action.

He said in a statement that Mr Moran had "consistently maintained his innocence of this horrific crime".

"There has never been any convincing evidence of his involvement," Mr O'Connell said.

"He has had to endure both the shock and pain of Simone's death and the devastation and distress of being blamed, arrested and detained for it.

"These proceedings will examine the investigation and prosecution of Mr Moran and, if found to be improperly motivated, will ensure that Mr Moran receives some justice."

Mr O'Connell said compensation was being sought for Mr Moran, but had not put a figure on the amount being sought.

Mr Moran said he hoped the court action would bring renewed focus on the investigation into Ms Strobel's death.

"She was a very special person who deserved better, and her family deserves better," he said in a statement.

"Everyone impacted by Simone's death and the aftermath deserves some answers and closure."

In a statement, NSW Police said it was aware of the court action, but declined to comment.

The civil case has been listed in the NSW District Court for January 27, 2027.