By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A REAL estate agency connected with a Torquay woman facing up to 1200 fraud charges has closed, leaving clients in limbo.
St George Real Estate’s office at 194 Pakington St, Geelong West, is now occupied by a builder unconnected to the agency.
The officer in effective control of the agency was Kaylene Maree Hussen, who also worked as a tax agent.
The Independent reported in July that Mrs Hussen faced tax fraud charges totalling as much as $2 million and involving up to 200 clients.
Police told Geelong Magistrates Court in an earlier hearing that records obtained from Crown Casino showed that she and her husband lost more than $1 million at the casino since 2002.
A spokewoman said Consumer Affairs Victoria was making enquiries into the closure of the business.
“Any consumers who have suffered financial loss in tenancy, or property sales may be eligible to make claims on the Victorian Property Fund,” she said.
“For more information on making claims, consumers should visit CAV’s website at consumer.vic.gov.au.
“Landlords and tenants who are unable to contact the estate agent should consider contacting each other immediately to make alternative arrangements for payment of rent. Vendors and purchasers should consider contacting their solicitors or conveyancers.”
Business Licensing Authority records showed that Mrs Hussen was the licensed officer of Newport Petroleum Pty Ltd, trading as St George Real Estate.
The records also showed that William John Hussen was previously involved in Just Property Management Pty Ltd but was permanently disqualified from holding an estate agents licence following Consumer Affairs Victoria action in May 2010.
Mr Hussen was declared ineligible to hold a licence for seven years and ineligible to act as an agent’s representative for five.
Special conditions prevented St George Real Estate from employing him in any capacity or for him to have any interest in or influence over the licensee’s business.
The Independent understands that St George Real Estate clients have contacted other agencies around Geelong seeking assistance.
It is also understood the matter has been referred to Victoria Police for investigation.
