<p>Construction is now underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a> in Carrara, with all stages fully funded as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> progresses its 59-residence gated community on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 100 hectares of natural savanna.</p>

<p>The commencement marks a key milestone for the Gold Coast project, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, at a time when buyers are placing greater emphasis on delivery certainty and builder track record.</p>

<p>With Devcon active in South East Queensland since 1993 and having delivered more than 1,000 homes, the team is positioning Cumulus as a fully financed, under-construction offering in a market where risk mitigation has become a central consideration for off-the-plan purchasers.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360496]</p>

<p>Located at 17 Baltimore Court, Cumulus Grand Villas comprises 59 three- and four-bedroom villas across four collections, Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview. Pricing starts from $1,455,000, with completion of the first stage targeted for Q4 2026.</p>

<p>Across the four collections, each design represents an expansive and thoughtfully considered offering. The Broadview provides additional flexibility within its floorplan, incorporating a multipurpose room or optional additional bedroom, and is priced from $1,895,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Configured across two levels, the four-bedroom villas feature two master bedrooms with private ensuites, as well as a multipurpose room (MPR), supporting intergenerational living, guest accommodation, or the creation of a dedicated retreat space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360497]</p>

<p>The main living areas are positioned on the ground floor, while the bedrooms are located upstairs, a configuration that promotes both family separation and connected living. All villas include a second master suite on the ground floor, reinforcing the project’s focus on flexibility and long-term adaptability.</p>

<p>That adaptability was central to BDA Architecture’s design approach. The team sought to create a sophisticated, low-maintenance product that makes the most of the site’s elevation and outlook while responding to evolving household needs. Expansive glazing, open-plan interiors and private outdoor areas draw in natural light and frame views towards the savanna, hinterland and Broadbeach skyline.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360470]</p>

<p>VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting said the project responds to a growing group of buyers reassessing what premium living on the Gold Coast looks like.</p>

<p>Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors. The inclusion of dual master suites in the Broadview design, along with options for a downstairs MPR or guest bedroom, allows homes to adapt as family dynamics shift, whether accommodating older parents, adult children, or extended stays.</p>

<p>Across the community, villas are specified with European appliances and premium fixtures and fittings, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. The gated enclave includes number plate recognition entry, reinforcing a focus on security and exclusivity.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360474]</p>

<p>Lifestyle amenity is anchored by the Infinity Terrace, an elevated communal space incorporating a 20m heated pool, alfresco zones and barbecue facilities, designed as a shared retreat within the neighbourhood. A two-acre private nature reserve with walking trails and rehabilitated bushland further integrates the development with its savanna-edge setting, reflecting a broader masterplan initiative to restore native vegetation and habitat corridors.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a>’s positioning continues to attract attention from prestige buyers seeking proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing. The suburb offers access to major retail centres including Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, is around 15 minutes from Broadbeach, and benefits from connectivity via the M1 to Brisbane and the Gold Coast Airport.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]</p>


Joel Robinson

VentureCrowd’s Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara advances with construction underway

<p>Joint venture partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> are officially launching the third and final residential stage at their landmark $350 million harbourfront precinct, Putney Wharf, with The Residences representing the final opportunity to secure a new home within this rare waterfront destination.</p>

<p>Strong demand has already been established across the earlier stages of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-residences-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a>, with more than 50 per cent sold ahead of this final release. The Residences will introduce a selection of the precinct’s most premium apartments, many of which were deliberately reserved for this concluding stage.</p>

<p>Located at 20 Waterview Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a> NSW, the completed precinct will comprise 67 residences, including 18 terraces and 49 apartments, alongside five retail tenancies and a 36-berth marina.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=1338]</p>

<p>Developed alongside partners Phoenix Property Investors and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Putney Wharf occupies a prized 300-metre stretch of absolute waterfront and incorporates the historic former Halvorsen’s Boatshed. The precinct connects directly to surrounding parklands via a landscaped foreshore walkway and a large, landscaped podium linking both sides of the development to the adjoining foreshore parklands.</p>

<p>The Residences comprise two newly built, three-storey apartment buildings delivering a boutique collection of 30 generously proportioned waterfront apartments. Designed to capture harbour outlooks, natural light and cooling breezes, The Residences balance architectural refinement with relaxed, low-maintenance living.</p>

<p>Architecturally designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the apartments continue the cohesive design language seen across the broader precinct. A refined palette of light and dark materials, softer-toned stone and neutral, earthy finishes reflect the surrounding landscape and harbour setting. Interiors feature painted timber veneers, tactile joinery, timber flooring to living spaces and 100 per cent natural wool carpets in bedrooms, creating warm and sophisticated homes.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362525]</p>

<p>Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said the release of the final residential stage marks an important milestone for the project.</p>

<p>“Putney Wharf brings together everything we’ve learned over more than 25 years of development,” Mr Brown said. “It respects the site’s extraordinary maritime history while delivering contemporary homes that connect people directly to the harbour.</p>

<p>The Residences offer the rare combination of low-maintenance apartment living, waterfront outlooks with beautiful sunset views, and the convenience of retail and amenity at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, the opportunity to secure a private marina berth completes a truly unique Sydney harbourfront lifestyle.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291197]</p>

<p>PERIFA Managing Director and Co-Founder Fabrizio Perilli added that the diversity of housing across the precinct has been central to the project’s success.</p>

<p>“Whether it’s the heritage Halvorsen’s apartments, the Waterview Terraces or now The Residences, Putney Wharf offers a range of homes that respond to different lifestyles, all united by an unrivalled harbourfront setting,” Perilli said. “This is a precinct that will add lasting value to the Putney community.”</p>

<p>Managing project marketing and sales, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Partner Tim Rees said the final release has already attracted strong demand reflecting the project’s unique harbourfront position and the success of earlier stages.</p>

<p>“Following the strong response to both the Halvorsen’s Boatshed residences and the Waterview Terraces, The Residences represent the final chance to secure a new home within this tightly held waterfront precinct,” Rees said. “Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of absolute harbour frontage, parkside living and genuine architectural quality.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240]</p>

<p>Putney Wharf is a one-of-a-kind mixed-use destination, delivering an exclusive residential offering alongside waterfront dining, retail and a 36-berth marina designed to the latest Australian Standards, accommodating vessels up to 18 metres and helping address Sydney Harbour’s ongoing marina shortage.</p>

<p>The precinct will include five retail tenancies and a prominent waterfront jetty area fronting the retail village, creating an activated harbourfront destination for residents and visitors alike.</p>

<p>Residents will enjoy direct access to lush harbourfront parklands, a public foreshore walkway and landscaped podium gardens connecting the development to the surrounding waterfront reserve. Construction across the Putney Wharf precinct is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.</p>

<p>Sales of The Residences officially launch this weekend, with the display suite open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Putney Wharf. Visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary coffee while touring The Residences and experiencing the Putney Wharf lifestyle firsthand.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]</p>


Final Harbourfront release in Putney Wharf launches this weekend

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.</p>

<p>Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.</p>

<p>For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.</p>

<p>“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.</p>

<p>“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]</p>

<p>That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.</p>

<p>Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.</p>

<p>Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.</p>

<p>At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]</p>

<p>In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.</p>

<p>Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.</p>

<p>Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.</p>

<p>Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.</p>

<p>Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]</p>


Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

<p>Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.</p>

<p>Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.</p>

<p>In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.</p>

<p>The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.</p>

<p>Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb</p>

<p>“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.</p>

<p>"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."</p>

<p>Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.</p>

<p>Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.</p>

<p>Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.</p>


Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

<p>In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.</p>

<p>"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.</p>

<p>"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."</p>

<p>The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.</p>

<p>“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.</p>

<p>"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."</p>


Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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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