You have0 free article left this month.
Register for a free account to access unlimited free content.
You have 0 free article left this month.
Register for a free account to access unlimited free content.

Lawyers Weekly - legal news for Australian lawyers

Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
lawyers weekly logo

Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA

Goodbye job applications, hello dream career
Seize control of your career and design the future you deserve with LW career

Solicitor under investigation ordered not to leave country

A court has restrained a Melbourne solicitor from leaving the country pending an investigation into a missing $26.6 million.

user iconNaomi Neilson 22 March 2024 Big Law
expand image

The Federal Court ordered Christopher William Legal’s principal lawyer Mark Madafferi to not leave or attempt to leave Australia until mid-September this year or until further orders are made.

Dubber Corporation Limited’s former chief executive and managing director Stephen Vincent McGovern was also restrained from leaving.

It’s believed the two were involved in the alleged “suspected misuse” of $30 million belonging to Dubber or one of its subsidiaries.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) began its investigation after Dubber’s board warned investors the $30 million was “not currently available to the company”.

The board reportedly suspended McGovern when an audit review revealed inconsistencies in funds held by a third-party trustee.

It was alleged Christopher William Legal acted for this trustee.

While approximately $3.4 million has been recovered, ASIC said the remaining funds remain unaccounted for.

“As the hearing was held in their absence, McGovern and Madafferi have not yet had the opportunity to respond to ASIC’s application,” the watchdog said in a statement.

McGovern is a British national with permanent residence in Australia. Madafferi is an Australian citizen.

The matter will return to court later this month.

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly. 

You can email Naomi at: naomi.neilson@momentummedia.com.au

Comments (0)
    Avatar
    Attach images by dragging & dropping or by selecting them.
    The maximum file size for uploads is MB. Only files are allowed.
     
    The maximum number of 3 allowed files to upload has been reached. If you want to upload more files you have to delete one of the existing uploaded files first.
    The maximum number of 3 allowed files to upload has been reached. If you want to upload more files you have to delete one of the existing uploaded files first.
    Posting as
    You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!