Vaughan Bowen, of Brighton, Victoria, appeared on 10 May 2023 via his legal representative in the County Court of Victoria after being indicted on two counts of insider trading.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) formally indicted Mr Bowen on 10 May 2023 after the charges had previously been discharged following a contested committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in December 2022 (22-378MR).

The CDPP may directly indict an accused after the Magistrates' Court declines to commit an accused for trial.

ASIC alleges that, in June 2019, Mr Bowen disposed of over five million Vocus shares while in possession of undisclosed information concerning the likely withdrawal of a proposal by EQT Infrastructure IV Fund to acquire Vocus.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions following an ASIC referral.

The matter is next due before court on 19 July 2023.

Background

Mr Bowen was charged in September 2021 (21-245MR).

Editor's note:

The matter is next before the court on 31 October 2023.

Editor’s Note 2:

The matter has been adjourned to a directions hearing in the County Court of Victoria on 3 November 2023.

Editor’s note 3:

A four-week trial has been set down in the County Court of Victoria commencing 30 October 2024.