On the run: Sam Cortorillo tries to evade TV cameras this week. Pictures courtesy A Current Affair
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG “love rat” Salvatore Cortorillo faces a civil class action for allegedly defrauding women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to their lawyer.
Andrew Senia said he had also been informed Victoria Police was launching a criminal investigation into the allegations.
Mr Senia said five women had contacted him claiming they were new victims of Mr Cortorillo.
Mr Senia obtained a landmark $1 million victory in the Supreme Court last year against Mr Cortorillo and his furniture business, Christie Tyler.
Mr Cortorillo, also known as Sam, was ordered to return property, a luxury car and money to 66-year-old Kathleen Truran.
Mrs Truran claimed Mr Cortorillo bombarded her with phone calls and emails and promised to marry her.
Mr Senia said Mrs Truran had recovered the property and car, a $188,000 BMW, but $543,000 was still outstanding.
Television program A Current Affair this week aired two stories on Mr Cortorillo, including his attempt to flee to London with another victim and her money.
After police intervention Mr Cortorillo was allowed to board his flight alone.
Mr Senia said the Echuca woman on A Current Affair, divorcee Vicky, who did not want her surname revealed, had contacted him before the story aired.
Mr Senia said the successful civil case against Mr Cortorillo would form a precedent for the class action.
“It was a significant case in the legal system and made history,” he said.
Mr Senia alleged that Mr Cortorillo’s “modus operandi” was to befriend “vulnerable” women on the internet.
He “promises them the world”, Mr Senia said.
The women then allegedly transferred money or property to Mr Cortorillo.
“We’re preparing information for when he comes back because he has a 12-month return ticket,” Mr Senia said.
“Some of his other victims claim to have suffered losses of up to $250,000. Another one gave him $35,000 and another gave him a property.”
Fire burnt down Christie Tyler’s Grovedale showroom and two neighbouring businesses last year.
Geelong Police said an arson investigation was continuing.
There is no suggestion Mr Cortorillo was in any way responsible for the fire.
