media release (14-170MR)

former Gold Coast company director charged with fraud

Published

Mr Frederick Leslie Hansen, 54 years, formerly of Clear Island Waters on the Gold Coast, has appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court charged with fraud following an investigation by ASIC.

Mr Hansen, a former director of Global Rule Pty Ltd (Global Rule) is charged with dishonestly causing a detriment to the company between March 2009 and September 2010. The charge against Mr Hansen carries a maximum penalty of up to 12 years imprisonment.

Mr Hansen was released on various conditions. The bail conditions included that Mr Hansen not leave Australia and not attend any point of international departure.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and was adjourned for further mention to 18 November 2014.

Background

The proceedings against Mr Hansen follow earlier ASIC legal proceedings brought in the Supreme Court of Queensland to identify and secure the assets of Global Rule for the benefit of creditors.

On 13 September 2010, ASIC obtained interim orders appointing Mr Michael McCann and Mr Graham Killer as receivers and managers of Global Rule. Freezing orders were also made restraining the disposal of any property by Mr Hansen.

On 28 October 2010, the receivers of Global Rule reported to the Supreme Court that it appeared Global Rule had raised funds from individuals who were offered 21.6% per annum in interest payments through unsecured loan agreements. The receivers’ report estimated that around 170 individuals loaned money to Global Rule and that approximately $16.3 million was still owed to lenders.

On 9 June 2011, ASIC obtained final orders, by consent, appointing Mr McCann as liquidator of Global Rule and as trustee of the Global Rule Trust for the purposes of winding-up Global Rule.

Editor's note 1:

On 18 November 2014 the matter was mentioned and it was disclosed to the court that the quantum of the fraud allegedly committed by Mr Hansen was approximately $8.4 million.

The matter has been adjourned for further mention to 3 February 2015 at the Southport Magistrates Court.

Editor's note 2:

On 3 February 2015 the matter was adjourned to 21 August 2015 at the Southport Magistrates Court for Committal.

Editor's note 3:

On 21 August 2015 Mr Hansen was committed to stand trial in the District Court. 

Editor's note 4:

On 5 February 2016 the matter was mentioned in the District Court and adjourned until 19 February 2016.

Editor's note 5:

On 19 February 2016 the matter was listed for a three week trial commencing 7 November 2016 to be held in the Southport District Court.

Editor's note 6:

On 14 October 2016, Mr Hansen entered a plea of guilty on two charges of s184 of the Corporations Act and was remanded into custody. Mr Hansen's sentencing is scheduled for 10 November 2016.

Media enquiries: Contact ASIC Media Unit