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Bankrupt Aussie hides $250k in friend’s bank account
Bankrupt Aussies trying to hide their money through relationships have been given a timely reminder they will be caught, following the arrest of a Victorian man, a government body reveals.

Bankrupt Aussie hides $250k in friend’s bank account
Bankrupt Aussies trying to hide their money through relationships have been given a timely reminder they will be caught, following the arrest of a Victorian man, a government body reveals.

According to the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), Robert John Wilson was convicted after telling authorities he gambled away sales.
An investigation found Mr Wilson had transferred the sale cost to a friend, before withdrawing the funds for use over time.
AFSA deputy chief executive Gavin McCosker explained that AFSA pursues convictions to help maintain the public’s confidence in the personal insolvency system.
“For most people, bankruptcy is a difficult and stressful situation,” Mr McCosker said.
“However, it is important that people entering into bankruptcy are honest. Failing to disclose funds and assets is both unfair to genuine creditors and illegal.”
The chief executive highlighted while bankrupt individuals might see it as a victimless crime, it is important to maintain the integrity of the system.
“It is important that we take action against those who are dishonest and break the law.”
The matter was prosecuted on behalf of AFSA by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Commonwealth law requires bankrupt people to fully and truthfully disclose all funds and assets in their statement of affairs. The trustee uses the bankrupt person’s funds or assets to repay people who are owed money.
Mr Wilson pleaded guilty to two charges under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth):
- Dealing with property to the value of $20 or more within 12 months before the presentation of the petition which made him bankrupt contrary to section 265(7) read with section 265(4)(a) of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth).
- Failure to fully and truly disclose to the trustee such information about his conduct and examinable affairs as the trustee requires contrary to section 265(1)(ca) of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth).
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