ISCOVER
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.
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