Westpac fraud: Sydney tycoon Bill Papas seen in Greece following fraud investigation

·

Sydney business tycoon Basile Papadimitrou, also known as Bill Papas, who is in the centre of fraud allegations by Westpac and French bank Societe Generale has allegedly fled to Greece, according to The Greek Herald’s sources.

Papas, who has been caught up in an alleged fraud with his business, Forum Finance, involving fake invoices and forged signatures that could cost the bank more than $290 million, was last seen in mid-June and there have been reports that he has ‘vanished’ or was ‘in a Perth Hospital’. 

Mr Papas was known to the community as the, now former, president of Sydney Olympic Football Club, one of the oldest and most prominent members of the professional National Premier League and since October an investor in Greek club Xanthi FC.

The Greek Herald understands that Mr Papas was recently seen in Thessaloniki, Greece and “is soon expected to make public announcements regarding Xanthi FC.”

With a post on social media, Sydney Olympic FC confirmed late on Friday that Mr Papas had resigned from the board “effective immediately” and that it appreciated the commitment and contribution of Mr Papas during his tenure.

The details of the financial scandal

Mr Papas’ business Forum Finance, which started in 2011, offers arranged lease financing from banks to its clients for office equipment, computers and software.

The banks then pay the funds to an entity, subsequently receiving regular lease payments.

Forum Finance clients included Findex, HWL Ebsworth, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Smart Group, and Channel Seven-owned WesTrac.

Westpac discovered the alleged fraud leading to an investigation when Westrac, applied for finance for office products with the bank in early June.

The bank discovered it already provided financing for Westrac through Forum Finance.

WesTrac confirmed funds were in fact accessed through a Forum Finance loan for equipment worth about $9 million under its name, yet had no record of obtaining the funds.

Further investigations undertaken by Westpac into six more loan contracts financed by the bank allegedly showed the assets financed did not exist, with just one of the advances for equipment amounting to $211 million.

When Westpac questioned Mr Papas, he failed to attend a meeting to discuss the allegations on 15 June and according to the bank, has ‘since that time not been contactable or seen’.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mercury Psillakis’ friends return to surf in tribute

Surfing buddies of Mercury Psillakis reunited on Sydney’s northern beaches to catch waves in his memory, a week after his death.

Police officer Alexander Papanastassis granted bail after manslaughter charge

Alexander Papanastassis, 29, has been charged with negligent manslaughter following the death of Hoppers Crossing man Luke Briggs.

Adelaide’s Greek community mourns beloved DJ Stelio Mitsos

Adelaide’s Greek community is mourning the loss of popular DJ Stelio Mitsos, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13.

Turkey rejects Greek genocide claims amid Day of Remembrance

A clash erupted as Turkey rejected statements from Greek leaders marking the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of the Greeks of Asia Minor.

Panathinaikos arrive in Melbourne ahead of Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Melbourne on Monday, marking the club’s arrival in Australia for the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

You May Also Like

Antetokounmpo sues artist over alleged ‘Greek Freak’ knockoffs

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 2019 National Basketball Association most valuable player, sued a Pennsylvania man on Monday for allegedly selling “Greek Freak”...

Greek Australians recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for 2021

Thirteen prominent Greek Australians have been recognised today in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2021.

Zelenskyy says Putin must be ‘sick’ to attack Odesa during Mitsotakis visit

Ukrainian President has said that Russian President Putin must have been “sick” when he launched a strike on Odesa during Mitsotakis visit.