Kristiana Karakostas dumped by Real Estate Institute after pleading guilty to peddling cocaine on Craigslist

·

A Greek Australian real estate agent, who had a subsidiary career as a cocaine dealer, has been dumped by the REIV and stripped of an award after she pleaded guilty to peddling the illegal drug on Craigslist, The Leader reports.

Kristiana Karakostas, 27, fronted the County Court last week after pleading guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine.

However, Karakostas’ membership with Victoria’s peak real estate body, REIV, was terminated after her guilty plea. The REIV also stripped Karakostas of her 2019 Novice Auctioneer of the Year award.

Kristiana Karakostas pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine. Photo: The Leader

REIV president Leah Calnan condemned Karakostas’ conduct as “unacceptable”.

“The REIV does not tolerate illegal or unethical behaviour; drugs create so much pain and suffering in our community,” she said.

“The REIV has acted swiftly in terminating the membership of Ms Karakostas and revoking the Novice Auctioneer of the Year Award which she won in 2019.

“This is a sad story of a talented young woman who had a bright and promising career ahead of her.

“The REIV holds its members to high standards that make real estate a trusted profession.”Get Binge Basic now for just $10 a month

Karakostas was dumped after she and former The Bachelor contestant Georgia Tripos were busted in March 2017 following a month-long covert police operation.

Former The Bachelor contestant Georgia Tripos at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Photo: The Leader

Police launched their sting after investigators discovered a coded ad for cocaine on online classifieds site Craigslist in February 2017.

The ad featured terms including “St Kilda (sic) party in Melbourne”, “Grab some White VIP for $350” and “Message Charlie”.

Karakostas sold an undercover cop a bag of cocaine for $350 at a carpark behind a Mount Waverley Shell service station on February 22.

The operative arranged another deal with Karakostas but the sale never took place.

Karakostas was arrested at Woodards Mount Waverley office on March 15.

Tripos appeared on season 3 of The Bachelor. Photo: The Leader

She was caught with more than six grams of cocaine – including half-a-gram of cocaine in her purse – drug paraphernalia, tick notes and more than $3000 cash.

Police watched Karakostas’s home before executing a search warrant.

Tripos, who was spotted driving near the property, was later intercepted with $3000 and arrested.

Investigators then seized more than 20 grams of cocaine, digital scales and 250gm of ethylpentylone – a designer drug commonly sold as MDMA – from Karakostas’s home.

Police raided Tripos’ Balwyn North home later that evening and seized $3350 cash, cocaine, and four cocaine purity test kits.

Investigators determined Karakostas made 49 sales or “offers to sell” cocaine, and moved almost 70 grams of the drug between February 2 and March 10.

Tripos, who pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine, will contest other charges at a trial pencilled in for November 9.

Sourced By: The Leader

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

STEM holiday program by Greek Community of Melbourne Schools a hit

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools recently completed a successful and engaging educational initiative titled “STEM in Their Element"

Huge comeback win for St George Men’s team

The St George Men’s team faced a massive challenge: a 5am bus trip to Wagga Wagga to take on the formidable Wagga Wagga Heat.

Creditors of Bill Ferg’s Lobster Cave face total loss as rescue bid stalls

Creditors of Melbourne’s iconic seafood venue The Lobster Cave have been warned they are unlikely to recover any of the millions owed.

You May Also Like

On This Day: The Expedition of Dramali comes to an end

On 28 July 1822, the Battle of Dervenaki took place and Greek forces destroyed the Ottoman army led by military leader, Mahmut Dramali Pasha.

Kingsgrove High School students kickstart their futures with new Future Links initiative

Students at Kingsgrove High School have taken part in the new Future Links initiative to observe their options and dreams post-school.

Kon Vatskalis wins re-election for Darwin Lord Mayor

Proud Greek Australian, Kon Vatskalis, has claimed victory in the Darwin Lord Mayoral race with a convincing lead on first preference votes.