Former tax commisioner to face fraud charges over Aboriginal land scheme

Former Assistant Tax Commissioner Nick Petroulias has been charged by NSW Police regarding a multi-million dollar Aboriginal land fraud scheme, following a corruption inquiry.

Allegedly orchestrating unauthorised property deals through the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Mr Petroulias and co-accused face charges of fraud and falsifying documents.

Mr Petroulias, lawyer Despina Bakis, and ex-land council official Richard Green face criminal charges following a long-running ICAC investigation into a $1 million property fraud scheme.

63 bank accounts

The trio is accused of engaging in “sham” agreements, falsifying documents, and using stolen identities to divert funds through Gows Heat Pty Ltd, with court proceedings scheduled for July 23.

An ICAC commission report in 2022 found that Ms Bakis, who acted as lawyer for Gows, a company owned by Petroulias, and the Aboriginal council, allegedly prepared false contract documents and Mr Petroulias altered ALALC board meeting minutes to reflect the proposed sale to Gows, without the board’s knowledge or approval.

Over $1m ended up in Gows accounts and not with the ALALC.

It has been alleged 63 bank accounts were used to disguise the source of the money.

Falsified documents

Other documents were found by the Commission to have been falsified and to conceal Mr Petroulias’ involvement.

Some bank accounts were opened uber false names, including that of a Nicholas Peterson.

The Commission found Ms Bakis had falsely secured a passport under the name Daphne Diomedes, which she then used to open a range of bank accounts and credit cards.

ALALC board member Mr Green was found to have taken part in the scheme, allegedly receiving a Mercedes car and proceeds from the payments.

Mr Petroulias was also an undischarged bankrupt with no official source of income during the period the charges relate to.