Four Victorian men have been charged over an alleged money laundering scheme linked to a sophisticated investment fraud that targeted Australian retail investors with fake bond and financial product offers.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) alleges that between January and July 2021, Dimitrios (James) Podaridis, Peter Delis, Bassilios (Bill) Floropoulos and Harry Tsalikidis dealt with victim funds that were the proceeds of crime and were reckless as to whether those funds were proceeds of crime. It is not alleged that the four were directly involved in operating the investment scam.
According to ASIC, scammers used fictitious investment comparison websites and Facebook advertisements to lure investors before making contact by phone and email and issuing fake, branded prospectuses and documentation. The falsified paperwork was said to be of high quality, mimicking or copying prospectuses from major financial services firms. The fictitious offerings ranged from 1–10 years with fixed returns between 4.5 per cent and 9.5 per cent per annum.
ASIC alleges victim funds were deposited into Australian bank accounts operated or controlled by Mr Podaridis, Mr Floropoulos or Mr Delis, before being transferred to offshore bank accounts or to crypto exchanges. ASIC further alleges that Mr Tsalikidis engaged in similar conduct and aided, abetted, counselled or procured Mr Podaridis, Mr Floropoulos and Mr Delis.
Mr Podaridis and Mr Floropoulos have each been charged with 28 offences of dealing in proceeds of indictable crime, contrary to sections 400.4(2), 400.5(2), 400.9(1) and 400.9(1A) of the Criminal Code (Cth). Mr Tsalikidis faces 12 offences under sections 400.4(2), 400.5(2), 400.9(1), 400.9(1A) and 11.2(1), while Mr Delis is charged with eight offences under sections 400.4(2), 400.5(2), 400.9(1) and 400.9(1A).
ASIC said it commenced its investigation after receiving complaints from consumers as well as corporate and institutional entities. The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) following a referral by ASIC.
The case is listed for a committal mention on 30 October 2025. The allegations have not been tested in court and the men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ASIC regularly issues consumer warnings and conducts targeted surveillance to combat scams. In May 2024, ASIC issued a scam alert warning investors that scammers were changing the way they impersonate financial services businesses in a sophisticated bond and term deposit scam. Investors are urged to verify offers directly with licensed institutions and to be wary of unsolicited approaches, particularly those promising above-market fixed returns.
