You have 0 free articles left this month.
Advertisement
Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
lawyers weekly logo
Broker

Broker faces court for alleged $12m fraud

3 minute read
The Adviser

A mortgage broker has appeared in court after ASIC alleged he operated a Ponzi scheme.

Michael Samra faced Adelaide Magistrates Court last Friday charged with 12 counts of deception, totalling $12 million, according to ASIC.

The regulator alleges Mr Samra operated a Ponzi scheme with promises of high returns on the investment, some up to 30-48 per cent a year.

It also alleges Mr Samra induced investors to lend his company, ALC Group, money on the basis that it would be on-lent to unnamed builders or property developers on a short-term basis.

About $66 million came into the ALC bank account over a seven-month period, with the majority of funds paid out to investors, according to ASIC.

The charges follow the collapse of Norwood-based ALC Group in 2009 owing liabilities of approximately $40 million, ASIC said.

Mr Samra, who was not required to enter a plea, was released on bail and the matter will return to court on 28 July.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter.

default
You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member today