‘Extreme anxiety and panic attacks’: Bill Papas breaks silence on Westpac fraud allegations

·

Bill Papas, the man at the centre of almost $400 million of fraud allegations from major Australian and global banks, claims he has been suffering from “extreme anxiety and panic attacks” since Westpac launched its case against him, The Australian Financial Review (AFR) reports.

In one of three affidavits filed with the Federal Court on Wednesday, Mr Papas apologised for missing multiple court deadlines that he said was “due to health issues principally around contracting SARS-COVID-19… where I suffered symptoms of extreme exhaustion and fever.”

“I have also been suffering from extreme anxiety and panic attacks since being served with court documents by [Westpac]. It has made it extremely difficult for me to attend to things required of me,” Mr Papas says in an affidavit, according to the AFR.

READ MORE: Alleged fraudster Bill Papas spotted in Thessaloniki.

Bill Papas is at the centre of almost $400 million of fraud allegations from major Australian and global banks.

“I have been obtaining regular treatment from a health practitioner for the past three years in Sydney for anxiety and depression, but as I am in Greece I have been unable to obtain treatment.

“Until recently, I have been alone in Greece and in isolation, which has been extremely difficult for me and my mental and physical health.”

Mr Papas’ solicitor told the court in the first week of July that he had booked a Japan Airways flight to return to Australia to face fraud allegations, but ultimately never boarded this flight. Instead, Mr Papas’ girlfriend, Louise Agostino, joined him in Thessaloniki.

READ MORE: Sydney tycoon, Bill Papas, returning to Australia following Westpac fraud allegations.

“Since her arrival my health has improved,” Mr Papas said.

Alleged fraudster Bill Papas spotted in Thessaloniki. Photo: The Australian Financial Review.

The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reports that the affidavits also detail a list of Mr Papas’ assets, which include three jet skis and a camper trailer each worth $15,000 and held at his multimillion dollar property in Wagstaffe on the NSW Central Coast, as well as $206,000 cash held in a NAB bank account.

READ MORE: Westpac slams Bill Papas evidence, Sydney tycoon pleads for cash to fly to Australia.

The Forum Group boss claims the value of seven companies he holds shares in is nothing, two other shareholdings are worth $50 each, and another business can’t be valued because he doesn’t have access to records.

Mr Papas’ lawyers originally sought to have his affidavits banned from publication but later withdrew this application.

The documents detail the first public statements made by Mr Papas since he went to ground following Westpac’s initial inquiries in mid-June about loans they suspected were fraudulent.

READ MORE: Liquidators appointed to Bill Papas’ troubled Forum group of companies.

Source: The Australian Financial Review and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Acclaimed Greek film ‘Stelios’ to have Australian premiere in April

The Greek Festival of Sydney has announced the Australian premiere of the highly anticipated Greek film 'Stelios' on April 23, 2025.

Oakleigh Grammar inducts its 2025 student leaders

Oakleigh Grammar in Melbourne has inducted its 2025 School leaders from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

SA Full Court ends dispute over teacher Dimosthenis Kourlas’ registration denial

The Supreme Court of South Australia’s Full Court has ruled on a dispute involving teaching graduate Dimosthenis Dillon Kourlas.

Peter V’landys urges Donald Trump to attend NRL Las Vegas showcase

NRL chief Peter V’landys has publicly invited US President Donald Trump to attend rugby league’s season-opening event in Las Vegas.

South Melbourne FC announces Directed as Major Sponsor in landmark partnership

Directed is the major sponsor of South Melbourne FC, aligning two organisations driven by innovation and a sense of community.

You May Also Like

Greek PM, Ecumenical Patriarch express concern for Christian population in Holy Land

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew discussed Greece's concerns for the Christian population in the Holy Land.

Panathinaikos BC become European champions for seventh time

Panathinaikos BC has added a seventh European crown to its glorious history after beating Real Madrid in Berlin’s final on Sunday.

The Greek women with masculinised surnames

In an opinion piece for The Greek Herald, Mary Sinanidis write about Greek women with masculinised surnames.