The Gold Coast Bulletin

Estate agent to the stars on fraud raps

- CAMPBELL GELLIE campbell.gellie@news.com.au

A REAL estate agent to the stars is facing 15 counts of fraud allegedly involving more than $3.5 million.

Nicolette van Wijngaarde­n has gone from award-winning agent with an office on the Coast and Byron Bay to facing serious charges in court.

Wijngaarde­n has faced court and been released to appear again on November 8.

Five charges relate to allegedly fraudulent­ly changing money from a business for personal use which carry a maximum 10-year jail sentence. The remaining 10 fraud charges also carry a 10year sentence.

Her clients included internatio­nally renowned fashion designer Collette Dinnigan.

“The total quantum of money involved in all charges alleged is in excess of $3.5 million,” a spokesman for the NSW Department of Fair Trading said. “She has been bailed to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court for mention on November 8.”

Van Wijngaarde­n, 44, founded the Byron-based Unique Estates in 2009, opening offices on the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Byron Bay.

Agency listings included ASF’s luxury apartments in The AU at Surfers Paradise, a $25 million mansion at Airlie Beach and a $3.6 million home at Robina.

In 2010, Unique Estates won best marketing at the Asia Pacific Property Awards for both Australia and Asia Pacific. Four years later Unique Estates won the best website, marketing and highly commended in the best agency category.

All staff were sacked via email in February 2018 and by June the business was in liquidatio­n. There was nothing in the bank and creditors were owed more than $4 million.

A liquidator’s report released in September reveals the business owed the Australian Taxation Office $933,000 and the NSW Office of State Revenue $95,000.

Unique Estates also produced magazine Unique Luxury, which was in Qantas frequent flyer lounges across Australia.

Wijngaarde­n could not be contacted for comment.

 ??  ?? Nicolette Van Wijngaarde­n from Unique Estates is accused of 15 counts of fraudulent activity involving more than $3.5 million.
Nicolette Van Wijngaarde­n from Unique Estates is accused of 15 counts of fraudulent activity involving more than $3.5 million.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia