Salam Zaki Bettridge of Varsity Lakes, Queensland, has been charged with making a false or misleading statement to ASIC.

Following an ASIC investigation it is alleged that in December 2019, Mr Bettridge, a former director of Professional Project Services Pty Ltd ACN 103 900 205 (PPS) (deregistered), made a false or misleading statement on a form lodged with ASIC to deregister PPS.

ASIC alleges that Mr Bettridge falsely declared that PPS was not a party to any legal proceedings. At the time of lodging the form, ASIC alleges PPS was a party to legal proceedings in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court of Queensland.

PPS was involved in the building and construction industry.

Mr Bettridge appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court on 5 July 2021. The case has been adjourned for further mention on 19 July 2021.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background

Making a false or misleading statement to ASIC is a breach of s1308 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

Editor's note:

On 19 July 2021, the matter was adjourned to 16 August 2021 for further mention.

Editor's note 2:

On 16 August 2021, the matter was adjourned to 20 September 2021 for further mention.

Editor's note 3:

On 6 September 2021, the matter was heard at the Southport Magistrates Court and adjourned to 20 September 2021 for further mention.

Editor’s note 4:

The matter was heard at the Southport Magistrates Court on 20 September 2021 and adjourned to 18 October 2021 for further mention.

Editor's note 5:

The matter was heard at the Southport Magistrates Court on 18 October 2021 and adjourned to 17 January 2022 for further mention.

Editor's note 6:

On 17 January 2022, the matter was listed for a summary hearing on 24 March 2022.