Boating claims surface
A MAN man charged with fraud following explosive allegations he was ripping off boaties is being investigated for further offences, as more complainants come forward.
It will be alleged Andrew Kenneth Eustice, 58, who was a salesman at Platinum Boat Sales, took multiple deposits for boats and unbeknown to the owners, sold the vessels.
He was charged with the fraud offence of dishonestly obtain from another (money) last Friday and given bail from the Southport Watchhouse.
As part of his bail conditions Eustice was forced to hand over his passport, report to Surfers Paradise Police Station every Monday and have no contact with any of the complainants.
In the seven days since the Bulletin revealed the alleged fraud offences, other complainants have come forward and have spoken to police. It is understood there are more than 10 complainants at this stage. Eustice next fronts court on August 30.
While not commenting on Mr Eustice’s case, industry sources say tighter laws around the sale of luxury yachts and boats is needed.
They believe the glaring hole in the Hull Identification Number (HIN) system has the potential to open the door for boats to be stolen and show up in other states or countries under a completely different number.
“They (HIN) are very similar to the vehicle identification number (VIN) that you can’t just generate and it is the same for that vehicle worldwide,” the source said.
“In Australia, we don’t have an Australia-wide HIN and dealers, importers, private people can make them up.
“As they change states they can change numbers.
“It is just mind boggling what has been allowed to occur in this industry.
“Nobody tracks the ownership of vessels properly, there is no way to give clear titles on boats, HINs are manufactured, they are made up in some states.”
One of the people who has complained about Eustice told the Gold Coast Bulletin that he would never buy a boat off a broker again.
Boating Industry Australia spokesman Domenic Genua said they had been contacted by brokers on the Gold Coast, concerned the allegations against Eustice will tar the whole industry.