<p>Gold Coast property professionals Jared Johnson and Zac Potter have teamed up to launch their debut property development, Basalt Lane, a boutique collection of architecturally designed warehouse units set to rise in Tweed Heads South.</p>

<p>Potter, a proven developer in his own right, is the founder of 21 Property Group and son of respected developer John Potter, while Johnson, director of leading commercial real estate agency Coastal Commercial, has been involved in hundreds of high-profile industrial transactions across South-East Queensland and Northern NSW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located at 80–82 Industry Drive, Basalt Lane will feature just eight premium warehouse units with flexible low-impact zoning, rare dual street access, and sleek, contemporary finishes not often seen in the Industrial sector. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q4 2025.</p>

<p>“This joint venture made sense from day one,” says Johnson, who is spearheading the sales campaign.</p>

<p>“Zac brings proven development experience, and I have a strong grasp of the local industrial market through years of commercial sales in the area. By combining our strengths, we saw an opportunity not just for ourselves — but to deliver something the local community genuinely needs. There’s a clear demand for modern, flexible, and flood-free industrial spaces in this region, and Basalt Lane is our answer to that.”</p>

<p>Strategically positioned just 700 metres from the M1 Motorway and under 10 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, the project offers high appeal for investors, small business owners looking for a coastal work base with premium connectivity or a secure storage solution.</p>

<p>The launch of Basalt Lane comes amid a surge in industrial development across the Tweed region. According to Tweed Shire Council, the area is undergoing major transformation, including the Industry Central Land Swap, a government-backed initiative relocating flood-affected businesses to higher ground. The $11.3 million program is creating modern, job-generating industrial hubs built for long-term resilience.</p>

<p>Projects like Quarry Business Park, also marketed through Johnson’s Coastal Commercial — are also breaking ground in 2025 — highlight the growing demand for flood-free, future-proof industrial space in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional economies.</p>

<p>“We’re proud to be contributing to the next chapter of growth here,” said Potter. “Basalt Lane is a long-term play — it’s designed to deliver value now and remain relevant for years to come.”</p>

<p>The project responds to broader market trends, including the rise of flexible “co-warehousing”, demand for hybrid industrial-office spaces, and growing interest in regional coworking hubs. With Australia’s coworking sector forecast to grow at 23.6% CAGR to 2030, and similar small-scale developments selling out in major cities, Basalt Lane offers a timely, lifestyle-forward business solution.</p>

<p>Potter and Johnson bring years of experience across real estate and development throughout the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers corridor. For them, Basalt Lane represents more than just a business move — it’s a personal milestone.</p>

<p>“There’s no big fund behind us. We’re not a national group,” said Potter. “We’re two mates with experience and vision and we’re having a go.”</p>

<p>With limited supply and rising demand, Basalt Lane is expected to attract strong early interest from entrepreneurs, trade-based businesses, owner-occupiers, and investors seeking solid long-term returns in a high-growth coastal hub.</p>


Jared Johnson and Zac Potter, have teamed up to launch their debut property development: Basalt Lane, Tweed Heads - a boutique collection of architecturally designed warehouse units set to rise in Tweed Heads South.

Urban Editorial

Gold Coast entrepreneurs launch premium industrial project in booming Tweed Heads South

<p>Enfield may be home to fewer than 3,000 residents, but its prime location between Strathfield and Burwood has cemented its status as one of the Inner West’s hidden gems.</p>

<p data-end="405" data-start="269">The suburb offers a village-style lifestyle with an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, staples of Inner West living.</p>

<p data-end="702" data-start="407">At the last census, there were only around 300 apartments in the suburb. Fewer than a handful of new apartment developments have been delivered in recent years, but none are as well positioned as The Carlyle, just a three-minute walk to Henley Park, arguably one of the best parks in the area.</p>

<p data-end="830" data-start="704"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carlyle-enfield-164-liverpool-rd-enfield-nsw-2136">The Carlyle</a> will comprise 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments, a mix rarely seen in the new development market across Sydney.</p>

<p data-end="902" data-start="832">[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6667]</p>

<p data-end="985" data-start="904"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;is fielding enquiry from several buyer types.</p>

<p data-end="1141" data-start="987">"First home buyers are realising this is the best time to get into the market," says Mark Bernberg, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;Managing Director.</p>

<p data-end="1386" data-start="1143">"There are now several government incentives assisting first home buyers to get onto the property ladder. The recent announcement to waive lender's mortgage insurance for those with low deposits puts tens of thousands back in their pockets. Pair that with stamp duty savings in the new apartment space, and there has never been a better time to be a first home buyer in the off the plan apartment market."</p>

<p data-end="1666" data-start="1388">Bernberg has also seen a re-emergence of investors, attracted to the low supply of apartments in Enfield and the suburb's lifestyle, while also being on the fringe of Burwood, which is set to undergo a huge transformation with its recent rezoning around the new metro station.</p>

<p data-end="1786" data-start="1668">"That will bring a wealth of new retail and amenity to the area, which tends to drive prices higher," Bernberg says.</p>

<p data-end="1954" data-start="1788">"Rents are at record highs, and with interest rates coming down from the highs earlier this year, investment apartments are starting to stack up again financially."</p>

<p data-end="1954" data-start="1788">[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6665]</p>

<p data-end="2166" data-start="1956">The Carlyle apartments will sit above doorstep amenity, with a two-level retail podium incorporated into the striking building. The retail component will include a new ground-floor café facing Carlyle Street.</p>

<p data-end="2432" data-start="2168">Two-bedroom apartments range from 67 sqm to 83 sqm internally, with some of the larger residences on the top level featuring expansive wraparound balconies. These layouts are designed to enhance seamless indoor-outdoor living, maximising natural light and views.</p>

<p data-end="2504" data-start="2434">[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6666]</p>

<p data-end="2759" data-start="2506">The Carlyle's proximity to Henley Park is one of its biggest drawcards. The 13-hectare park includes multiple sports fields, two fenced playgrounds designed for various age groups, and Enfield Aquatic Centre, complete with Olympic-sized swimming pool.</p>

<p data-end="2822" data-start="2761">The Carlyle is on track to welcome residents in early 2026.</p>

<p data-end="2873" data-start="2824">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6667]</p>


Joel Robinson

The Carlyle in Enfield launches to undersupplied Inner West market

<p data-end="628" data-start="215">A new Metro stop, a thriving café scene, and proximity to village-style retail have cemented St Leonards as one of the Lower North Shore’s most sought-after suburbs for new development.</p>

<p data-end="628" data-start="215">Among those seizing the opportunity is Sekisui House Australia, which has chosen this prized pocket, in the St Leonards South precinct, for its first-ever inner-city apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/waterstone-st-leonards-24-berry-road-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Waterstone</a>.</p>

<p data-end="628" data-start="215">[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=230]</p>

<p data-end="1044" data-start="630">Set for completion in the summer of 2027, Waterstone comprises 207 apartments across five buildings, designed to look south back to the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;CBD.&nbsp;The new project offers residents the rare balance of connected urban living and tranquil green surrounds.</p>

<p data-end="1044" data-start="630">Just moments from home lies Smoothey Park, a blend of natural bushland and manicured parkland. It forms part of the Wollstonecraft cluster of reserves, including Gore Cove, Badangi Reserve, and Berry Island, all offering peaceful escapes on the Harbour’s edge.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KCD5mtyKBjc?si=DcC6Koxg6shdDFzq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>When it comes to lifestyle, St Leonards and its neighbouring suburbs, Crows Nest, Waverton, Greenwich, and Wollstonecraft, deliver an endless array of cafés, restaurants, and boutique retailers. Nearby Mall 88, only 650 metres from Waterstone, adds convenience with over 30 specialty stores.</p>

<p data-end="1324" data-start="1046">Connectivity is another major drawcard. The new Crows Nest Metro Station is just one kilometre away, while St Leonards Train Station is a short seven-minute walk. For a more scenic commute, the Greenwich Point Wharf ferry reaches Circular Quay in under 30 minutes.</p>

<p data-end="1324" data-start="1046">[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=351953]</p>

<p data-end="1876" data-start="1631">For peace of mind, Royal North Shore Hospital, one of Sydney’s most prominent medical hubs, sits just 650 metres away, making Waterstone ideal for healthcare professionals or residents seeking easy access to world-class medical facilities.</p>

<p data-end="2045" data-start="1878">Perfectly positioned on the fringe of vibrant activity yet embraced by parkland serenity, Waterstone offers the best of both worlds in Sydney’s evolving Lower North Shore.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134191]</p>


Nature and connection define life at Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct

<p>A new collection of residences is now available at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-avenue-maroochydore-qld-4558">SOL by Walker</a>, the residential development that continues to take shape within the Maroochydore City Centre.</p>

<p>The second release introduces 137 apartments to the market, adding to the growing community in what is set to become one of South East Queensland’s most significant urban renewal precincts. The new offering includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited number of terraces and penthouses designed to suit a range of lifestyle needs.</p>

<p>“SOL represents the beginning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/maroochydore-qld-4558">Maroochydore</a>’s exciting next chapter, redefining expectations around life in this beautiful coastal city,” David Gallant, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/walker-corporation">Walker Corporation</a>, said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319853]</p>

<p>Located on South Sea Islander Way, SOL forms part of the broader vision to deliver a connected and vibrant city heart for the Sunshine Coast. Construction is already underway on the first 19-storey tower, with completion targeted for early 2028. The development is being delivered by Walker in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral.</p>

<p>SOL’s second stage continues the project’s focus on high-quality apartment living, with access to a suite of resident-only amenities including a rooftop sky terrace, wellness retreat, co-working lounge, gym and landscaped garden spaces.</p>

<p>Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> combine timeless design with natural materials, generous layouts and panoramic outlooks to the ocean, hinterland and river.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“SOL by Walker establishes a new standard in apartment quality, seamlessly integrating superior craftsmanship with unmatched design,” Danny Juric, Director at Plus Studio, said</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=346899]</p>

<p>Apartments feature open-plan layouts with high ceilings and expansive glazing to enhance natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A warm, neutral palette ties together stone benchtops, brushed platinum accents, and sandstone-toned carpet, while large sliding doors connect living areas to generous outdoor spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kitchens are fitted with integrated Miele appliances, refined cabinetry and thoughtful storage, while bathrooms offer double vanities and oversized showers to balance function and comfort.</p>

<p>As part of the Sunshine Coast’s new CBD, residents will be within walking distance of local retail, dining and green space, with transport connections set to expand as the precinct grows. Once complete, Maroochydore City Centre is expected to deliver thousands of new homes as part of the region’s long-term housing strategy.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]</p>


Second release at SOL by Walker expands residential offering in Maroochydore City Centre

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has marked the topping out of Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, celebrating the completion of the building’s highest point and a major step forward for one of the developer’s landmark Melbourne communities.</p>

<p>The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s strong construction momentum across Victoria, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> and The Albertine both recently reaching structural completion. Together, the two projects will deliver 265 new apartments, contributing to much-needed housing supply in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=3627]</p>

<p>Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, Prince &amp; Parade continues a long-standing partnership that has delivered The Melburnian (2002) and The Eastbourne (2019).</p>

<p>The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> address comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom residences complemented by extensive amenity, including a residents’ lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, library, yoga room, gym, and rooftop terrace, with landscaping by Jack Merlo and a concierge service.</p>

<p>Construction is rapidly transforming the site, with significant milestones achieved across two buildings, supported by 73 slab pours and six fully constructed building cores. Completion is expected in 2026.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269383]</p>

<p>Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said Prince &amp; Parade has been strongly received by buyers seeking quality design and trusted delivery.</p>

<p>“These communities have been well received, attracting strong interest from downsizers and professionals who value high-quality design, premium locations and the confidence of buying with Mirvac,” Anderson said.</p>

<p>Prince &amp; Parade has also achieved a record-breaking apartment sale in Brunswick, underscoring its design quality and market appeal.</p>

<p>“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick. This <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/exclusive-mirvac-breaks-brunswick-record-with-prince-parade-sale">record-breaking sale</a> is a testament to Mirvac’s design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and our strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential communities across the country,” Anderson said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]</p>


Prince & Parade tops out in Brunswick as Mirvac marks dual Melbourne milestones

Jail

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<p class="noindent">Former Double Bay estate agent Ryan Watsford has been sentenced to four years in jail for his part in an alleged drug smuggling operation.</p>
<p class="noindent">Watsford had been an estate agent during the events which are alleged to have taken place between 2016 and 2017.</p>
<p class="noindent">The Sunday Telegraph reported he used his industry knowledge and industry mates to find empty houses in Sydney's eastern suburbs which were then used in the mail shipment of more than 580g of cocaine by a US drug syndicate.</p>
<p class="noindent">One of the empty houses was the <a href="/news/rose-bay-trophy-villa-tivoli-sold-to-entrepreneur-john-szangolies">waterfront Rose Bay mansion which was being bought by the restaurateur John Szangolies</a>, who had paid $16.8 million to the Bartley family with plans on knocking it down.</p>
<p class="noindent">Watsford has been sentenced to a maximum eight years and six months in jail, with a non-parole period of four years.</p>
<p class="noindent">The smuggling ring was accused of attempting to bring in 800 kg of MDMA and millions cigarettes in to Australia.</p>
<p class="noindent"><span>Police found a photo of three US Postal Service receipts relating to packages that had been sent to three Sydney address; 26 Tivoli Ave, Rose Bay, 51 Towns Rd, Vaucluse, and 22 Chisholm St, Darlinghurst.</span></p>
<p>The Rose Bay trophy, Villa Tivoli, had been listed with more than $20 million hopes by the family of racing identity "Melbourne Mick" Bartley.</p>
<p>It was sold in March 2016, with settlement scheduled for July 2016. Neither the vendors or buyers, the Bartley and Szangolies family, knew that their home had been pinpointed for the purpose of the clandestine postal delivery.</p>
<p>Watsford had directly called the owner of the Tivoli Ave property in early July who advised him when she'd be moving out within six days, ie ahead of the July 16 settlement by the new owner.</p>
<p><span>According to documents tendered in the Downing Centre District Court, eight packages containing 985g of cocaine were sent to “Hayes Alan” at 26 Tivoli Ave, Rose Bay.</span></p>
<p>Australian Federal Police intercepted the packages of cocaine on July 13, 2016, at the Australia Post facility at Alexandria.</p>
<p>The parcels were delivered July 15 when Watsford dropped off another member of the syndicate to collect the delivery from the postman. The US pickup guy was immediately arrested.</p>
<p>On June 27, 2016, police had previously intercepted a phone call where Watsford asked another Double Bay estate if the agency was holding any vacant properties, the court documents show.</p>
<p>The agent, who isn’t accused of any wrongdoing or knowledge of Watsford’s plan, advised on the property at 51 Towns Rd, Vaucluse.</p>
<p><span>The </span><span>Sunday</span><span> Telegraph's Brenden Hills coverage recently took out the Scoop Of The Year at the News Awards 2019 for his reporting work</span><span>.</span></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former estate agent Ryan Watsford sentenced to four years jail

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<p>David Steel, a former Cobden estate agent has been sentenced to three months’ jail after pleading guilty to almost 40 charges relating to mismanagement of his clients’ money, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria</p>
<p>David Alexander Scott Steel, 57, was convicted last month in Warrnambool County Court of 37 charges concerning trust account deficiencies and defalcations. These included fraudulently converting trust money in breach of the <em>Estate Agents Act 1980</em>.</p>
<p>It was reported on his charging <span>that Mr Steel was the sole director of the company when more than $450,000 was found to be missing from the account of Realestate Property Pty Ltd.</span></p>
<p>Mr Steel also gave an undertaking to the court to be of good behaviour for two years.</p>
<p><span>Judge Michael O'Connell said Steel's business approach was "inept and cavalier," The Warranabool Standard reported.</span></p>
<p>The company, Realestate Property Pty Ltd (ACN: 114 758 217), trading as 'David Steel First National', was also convicted and fined $10,000.</p>
<p>Mr Steel and the company also pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to lodge bonds, in breach of the <em>Residential Tenancies Act 1997</em>.</p>
<p>Under Victorian laws, an estate agent has strict obligations to deposit clients’ money into a relevant trust account.</p>
<p><span>The Warrnambool lawyer Kiernan Celestina represented Mr Steel who moved to Vietnam and was travelling back to Australia to attend court.</span></p>
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Former Cobden estate agent David Steel pleads guilty to mismanagement of clients' money

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<p>A former National Australia Bank financial adviser Max Eung has been sentenced to a three years <span>intensive corrections order </span>by the New South Wales District Court for taking $166,000 belonging to his clients.</p>
<p>Mr Eung was convicted on Friday of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by taking money from client accounts in 2016.</p>
<p>Max Kiattisak Eung, of Tempe, New South Wales, was sentenced to three years imprisonment to be served by way of an intensive corrections order.</p>
<p>In June 2018, ASIC permanently banned Mr Eung from providing financial services and engaging in credit activities.</p>
<p>Between March 2016 and December 2016, Mr Eung dishonestly obtained a financial advantage of $166,500 from accounts held with MLC Limited and Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited. The account holders who were his clients did not authorise withdrawal of those funds from their accounts.</p>
<p>Mr Eung also created false bank accounts in the names of clients using their confidential information, made withdrawals from client funds held in false bank accounts and impersonated his clients to attempt to avoid detection.</p>
<p>At the time, Mr Eung was a NAB financial adviser.</p>
<p>Mr Eung was an authorised representative and financial adviser with NAB from 21 May 2015 to 20 December 2016 and a credit representative of a credit licensee from 14 September 2017 to 23 October 2017.</p>
<p>After impersonating his clients to attempt to obtain access to funds in the second false bank account, Eung incorporated a company for the purpose of operating a mortgage broking business.</p>
<p>ASIC found that Mr Eung had engaged in dishonest conduct, was likely to contravene a financial services law, and was not of good character. ASIC also found that Mr Eung was likely to contravene credit legislation and was not a fit and proper person to engage in credit activities.</p>
<p>The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions after a referral from ASIC.</p>
<p>Mr Eung pleaded guilty to the two offences.  </p>
<p>The action is part of ASIC's Wealth Management Project. which focuses on the conduct of Australia’s largest financial advice licensees – NAB, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, Macquarie and AMP.</p>
<p>As part of its Wealth Management Project, ASIC has banned 60 advisers and three directors from the financial services industry. Three bannings are the subject of appeal.</p>
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Intensive corrections order for former NAB financial adviser Max Eung

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<p>Bogus property developer Maureen Johnston, of Carrum Downs, Victoria has been sentenced in the County Court of Victoria to five years and six months imprisonment.</p>
<p>An ASIC investigation found Mrs Johnston, a former director of Small Business Management Pty Ltd and Investman Nominees (USA) Pty Ltd, deceived victims into investing money in various bogus property developments in the United States and Australia.</p>
<p>The funds were not used for investment purposes, but instead were spent gambling at the Melbourne Crown Casino and paying her personal credit card debt.</p>
<p>The sentencing comes after Mrs Johnston pleaded guilty to three counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, totalling $1,027,000.</p>
<p>Many of the victims met Mrs Johnston and her husband, Douglas Johnston, through their close association with the Collingwood Football Club, where friendships were developed before the Johnstons first raised the idea of investing personally through them.</p>
<p>Mrs Johnston must serve a minimum of two years before being eligible for parole.</p>
<p>In sentencing, Her Honour Judge Wilmoth stated Mrs Johnston’s actions were, “intentionally dishonest and blatantly opportunistic” and if it was not for her early guilty plea, the sentence would have been seven years with a period of three years before being eligible for parole.</p>
<p>Judge Wilmoth noted that Mrs Johnston befriended the victims, who included Mrs Johnston’s house cleaner and a patient whom she had met in hospital, before exploiting them for financial gain. Her Honour commented that one of the victim’s description of Mrs Johnston as “absolutely ghoulish, atrocious and heartless” was completely understandable. </p>
<p>The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.</p>
<p>On 8 October 2014, charges against Mr and Mrs Johnston were issued.</p>
<p>On 16 December 2015, after a three-day contested committal hearing, Mr and Mrs Johnston were committed to stand trial, entering into pleas of not guilty.</p>
<p>The trial date for Mr and Mrs Johnston was set down for 23 January 2017, however it did not proceed, as Mrs Johnston offered a guilty plea which was accepted on 20 December 2017.</p>
<p><span>Maureen Johnston was accused of using players from the Collingwood Football Club, including Andrew Krakouer, to strike up friendships with fellow club members who then became her targets.</span></p>
<p><span>The Herald Sun reported<span> Mrs Johnston was a member of the exclusive “Black Room”, an invitation-only club where Crown’s biggest spenders can play pokies.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>A trial date for Doug Johnston was set down for April next year.</span></span></span></p>
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$1 million deception against Collingwood AFL supporters sees bogus property developer jailed

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<p class="first-para"><span>A Maroubra real estate agent has been jailed for two years for fraud after admitting to stealing deposits from trust accounts.</span></p>
<p><span>Zacharis Gregory Imisides was sentenced earlier this month to two years imprisonment.</span></p>
<p><span>It will be served through an intensive correction order, which will see him perform 400 hours of community service work and participate in a rehabilitation <span>psychology </span>program.</span></p>
<div class="in-content-ad">
<div id="adspot-1x1-pos-5" class="ad" data-google-query-id="CMW2zZLd2d4CFUFGKwodL1IBjA">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/31694718/domain.com.au/news/nsw_3__container__">The 37-year-old estate agent was charged with eight counts of fraudulently converting money, totalling more than $425,000. </div>
</div>
</div>
<p><span>The offences occurred between May 2014 and December 2014 in Marourbra, Pagewood and Kingsford.</span></p>
<p><span><span>Zac Imisides was a real estate agent at Century 21.</span></span></p>
<div id="listing-recommendation-midcontent" class="experiment">
<div class="__domain_group_fe_co_wp_listing_recommendation_experiments___2_0_0" data-renderizr-id="fe-co-wp-listing-recommendation-experiments_1">Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said this was another example of a real estate agent “abusing their position and accessing money isn’t theirs”.</div>
</div>
<p><span>“Imisides made transfers after selling seven properties in 2014 but the trust account withdrawals had no connection to the sale of the properties, and he was not authorised to release the sales deposits prior to settlement,” said Mr Kean.</span></p>
<p><span>Imisides was disqualified in 2016 from holding a licence or certificate of registration for eight years.</span></p>
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Maroubra estate agent intensive correctional order for two years

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<p class="first-para">A former LJ Hooker real estate agent with a resumed drug habit has been jailed for five years. </p>
<p>Ngo will be eligible to apply for parole after he has served at least three years.</p>
<p>The sentencing judge described his financial mismanagement akin to a Ponzi scheme.</p>
<p>Joseph Ngo, 37, also known as Tri Duc Ngo, managed accounts of six LJ Hooker franchises in Melbourne’s south-east, including Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley.</p>
<p>Between January 2015 and March 2016, just over $6 million was misappropriated from trust accounts linked to the six offices.</p>
<p>Ngo used just over $2 million of that on clothing, jewellery and drugs, including ice.</p>
<p>The alarm was only raised in April 2016 when Consumer Affairs Victoria was told that the business’ trust accounts were overdrawn.</p>
<p>In sentencing on Thursday, County Court judge Michael Bourke said Ngo’s behaviour was dishonest, harmful and prolonged.</p>
<p>He ruled Ngo needed to be condemned for what he had done as it breached the trust of the victims and their faith in the property system.</p>
<p>Ngo was addicted to heroin and cannabis earlier in life, the judge said, but despite his attempts at abstinence, he spent $300,000 on ice during his offending. </p>
<p>After the sale of Ngo's property, the victims were needing to be repaid $2.1 million from the Victorian Property Fund at Victorian tax payer expense.</p>
<p>Judge Bourke ordered that Ngo repay that money while noting the chances of that compensation occurring were remote.</p>
<p>Ngo pleaded guilty to 48 charges under the estate agents act and two summary offences relating to taking a direct interest in the sales of property.</p>
<p>Defence counsel Erol Cinar had argued that Ngo had shown remorse, had no intention to return to real estate and had a severe mental condition, exacerbated by drug use.</p>
<p>Fairfax Media reported Ngo had been convicted in 2001 of armed robbery and attempted armed robbery, as well as heroin trafficking before that.</p>
<p>Judge Bourke said if not for an early guilty plea, Ngo would have been jailed for seven years.</p>
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Former armed robber turned LJ Hooker Glen Waverley agent sentenced to three years jail 

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<p>Estate agent James Lyons has been sentenced to six years jail, with a possibility of parole after two years, after he pleaded guilty to defrauding clients of $1.6 million.</p>
<p>The Brisbane real estate agent pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court to three fraud-related charges.</p>
<p>The charges relate to nine complaints over a two-year period. </p>
<p>Judge Brad Farr set a parole eligibility date of August 23, 2018.</p>
<p>Lyons was on a base salary of $800,000 but would earn as much as $2 million a year on commissions as a commercial real estate agent.</p>
<p>Lyons was a finalist as “commercial salesperson of the year” at the Real Estate ­Institute of Queensland’s 2009 industry awards after broking multimillion-dollar deals around the Brisbane port.</p>
<p>He was bailed in late 2013 after being charged by detectives from Mt Gravatt CIB on seven counts of fraud allegedly committed at Chase Commercial’s Newstead office. </p>
<p>The fraud-related charges related to nine victims from his time working for Chase Commercial between 2011-13.</p>
<p>The Crown prosecutor Jane Shaw told Judge Brad Farr that more than $1.05 million had been paid to the victims out of a compensation fund. Lyons had not made any repayments.</p>
<p>His legal-aid barrister, Saul Holt advised he was a diagnosed pathological gambler.</p>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Jail for guilty Brisbane estate agent

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<div>The expatriate Sydney property developer Nati Stoliar has been sentenced to two years jail in the United States, after he pleaded guilty to fraud under the US Clean Air Act.</div>
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<div>His Nevada home has been sold after he was ordered to pay more than US$1.4 million in restitution and to forfeit $4 million in cash in a biofuels fraud case.</div>
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<div>The 64 year old Stoliar, who pleaded guilty in mid-2014 to the fraud, faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.</div>
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<div>The FBI announced earlier this month Stoliar had been sentenced to 24 months in prison along with three years of supervised release. It was for his role in an illegal scheme to generate fraudulent biodiesel credits and to export biodiesel without providing biodiesel credits to the United States. </div>
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<div>As a Sydney property developer Nati Stoliar owned two of the trophy homes of Sydney, Boomerang at Elizabeth Bay and then Villa del Mar at Point Piper.</div>
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<div>His six bedroom, six bathroom US home in Henderson, Nevada was sold under order of forfeiture at US$1,140,000.</div>
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<div>Stoliar's business partner James Jariv was sentenced in federal court in Las Vegas to ten years in prison. Records show other items forfeited included a gold Bulgari chronograph and a diamond tennis bracelet.</div>
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<div>Under the 2009 scheme, Stoliar and his co-defendants were alleged to falsely claim to import, purchase, and blend more than 4.2 million gallons of biodiesel.</div>
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<div>They then allegedly sold the fraudulent RINs (regulatory information notices) generating more than $7 million. </div>
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<div>It was alleged Stoliar and Jariv instructed tanker truck drivers to drive back and forth across the U.S.-Canada border, claiming to be importing biodiesel into the United States and exporting feedstock to City Farm in Canada.</div>
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<div>The trips would generate credits paperwork purporting to show biodiesel production and importation.</div>
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<div>Accounts were utilized in Nevada, Canada and Australia, and transactions were investigated by the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security. </div>
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<div>Following his indictment, Stoliar’s arrest was sought by the United States. Located in Poland,<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> Stoliar returned to the United States to surrender for arrest.</span>
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<div>James Jariv and Stoliar then both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, two counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements under the Clean Air Act. </div>
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<div>“This was an egregious scheme to defraud fuel suppliers, the United States, and a program designed to strengthen our nation’s petroleum independence and improve our air quality” said assistant attorney general John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.</div>
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<div>“We will not tolerate such fraud and will vigorously prosecute those who put their own enrichment above our nation’s interests.”</div>
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<div>The image above is of Sydney trophy home <span><span>Villa del Mare, which Stoliar built in the late 1990's.</span></span>
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<div><em>This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.</em></div>
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