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A Victorian man that had failed to appear in court for allegedly posing as an insurance representative or broker has been arrested.
The Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) revealed that the Victoria-based man, Samuel Tessa, was expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 18 December 2017 to answer allegations of fraud, but he failed to appear.
A warrant was then issued for his arrest.
Mr Tessa was arrested on 26 December at Melbourne Airport, upon his return to the country.
He was charged with five counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
According to ASIC, the charges follow an investigation into his dealings with individuals and businesses in the Melbourne automotive repair industry.
It is alleged that Mr Tessa purported to act as an insurance representative or broker and “dishonestly obtained money from these individuals or businesses on the pretence that payments were required for insurance premiums”.
Further details from the investigation have not yet been released.
The charges of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception contrary to section 82 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Mr Tessa has been bailed to reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 29 March 2018.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter.
[Related: Broker jailed for $170m mortgage fraud]
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