The Australian Federal Police has arrested Nick Popov, a former director of RAN Holdings International Pty Ltd at Brisbane Airport.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission was recently granted an arrest warrant by the New South Wales Local Court for the arrest of Popov, following his return to Australia from the Ukraine and Germany in June 2006.
Popov was in possession of a one-way airline ticket to Munich, Germany.
Popov and a fellow director of Radisson Maine Property Group Pty Ltd, in Liquidation, Robert Bassili, left Australia in November and December 2004 respectively.
RAN Holdings International and its main subsidiary, Radisson Maine Property Group, were ordered to be wound up by the NSW Supreme Court on October 28, 2004.
RAN Holdings International and Radisson Maine Property Group were involved in raising money from the public for property development in Victoria when their companies were placed in liquidation.
Popov has been charged with on one count of contravening the NSW Crimes Act in relation to an alleged fraudulent property deal involving a young Sydney couple who lost $245,000. He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday morning and was remanded in custody and ordered to be extradited to Sydney.
Popov will appear in the Downing Centre Court on Wednesday September 13, 2006.
Popov will be prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. ASIC’s investigation is continuing.
By Kathryn O’Meara
