media release (14-314MR)

Former liquidator charged with obtaining money by deception

Published

Following an ASIC investigation, a former liquidator today faced court charged with various offences, including obtaining more than $90,000 by deception, as part of a scheme to pay his own debts.

Mark Levi appeared before Downing Centre Local Court charged with two counts of obtaining money by deception, two counts of making a false instrument, two counts of using a false instrument and two counts of making a false document.

The deception offences carry a maximum penalty of five years jail. All the other offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years jail.

ASIC alleges that in April and October 2009, Mr Levi used approximately $92,000 to pay off two personal tax bills by deceiving his then employer to sign two cheques from a receivership account of Biseja Pty Ltd (receiver and manager appointed). The amounts of the two cheques were inflated to a higher amount in order for Mr Levi to use the money to pay his personal tax liability.

At the time Mr Levi's employer was the receiver for Biseja Pty Ltd.

ASIC alleges Mr Levi altered and used two business activity statements in order to induce his employer into signing the cheques, and that he altered the books and records of Biseja to cover up his alleged conduct.

The matter has been adjourned to Downing Centre Local Court on 24 February 2015.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting this matter.

Editor's note:

On 24 February 2015, the matter was adjourned until 14 April 2015.

Editor's note 2:

On 14 April 2015 the matter was adjourned to 30 June 2015.

Editor's note 3:

On 30 June 2015 the matter was adjourned to 21 July 2015.

Editor's note 4:

On 21 July 2015 the matter was adjourned to 11 August 2015.

Editor's note 5:

On 11 August 2015 the matter was adjourned to 8 September 2015.

Editor's note 6:

On 8 September 2015 the matter was adjourned to 27 October 2015.

Editor's note 7:

On 27 October 2015 the matter was mentioned in the Downing Street Local Court in Sydney. Following his waiver of committal proceedings, Mr Levi was committed to stand trial in the Sydney District Court. Mr Levi was directed to appear there on 6 November 2015 for a trial date to be set.

Editor's note 8:

On 6 November 2015, the matter was adjourned to 13 November 2015.

Editor's note 9:

On 13 November 2015, the matter was set down for trial on 4 October 2016 in the District Court.

Editor's note 10:

At a mention in the District Court on Friday 6 May 2016, the matter was adjourned for further mention until Friday 27 May 2016. A further extension for filing the indictment was given to that date.

Editor's note 11:

On 27 May 2016, the matter was adjourned for a further week until 3 June 2016.

Media enquiries: Contact ASIC Media Unit