NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox today revealed that Sydney businessman Eddie Kang has been arrested for fraud related offences.
“Eddie Kang, through his business Singapore Oil, is an alleged serial swindler who has for a number of years been draining international students of their savings, in some instances up to $45,000, on the promise of providing job placement and a work visa,” Mr Mason-Cox said.
“On Wednesday, officers from NSW Fair Trading joined police and officers from the Department of Immigration in a joint sting on three premises in Sydney’s north.
“As part of the investigation, Mr Kang was charged with four breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) relating to misleading conduct in connection to employment.
“In addition, NSW Fair Trading served him with 14 court attendance notices for fraud and other breaches of the ACL.
“The arrest and pending prosecution of Mr Kang will be of some comfort for his victims, who have been left thousands of dollars out of pocket.’’
The apprehension is the result of NSW Fair Trading’s six month investigation into Mr Kang. Authorities are examining a number of laptops, computers, cameras and files which were seized as part of the raid on the premises.
“The arrest is a great result and is a testament to the tenacity of NSW Fair Trading investigators and assisting agencies,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said.
“This should send a clear message to rogue operators that if you are doing the wrong thing, you will be caught.’’
Mr Mason-Cox said the successful arrest follows several recent high profile NSW Fair Trading court wins against dodgy and fraudulent traders. Recent prosecutions have included:
o Peter Noel Anthony Sorensen: a conman who earlier this week was found guilty and jailed for defrauding mining companies of $124,500 in a scam involving fake advertising (17 Feb)
o Charbel Khoury: an electrician who was banned from conducting or being associated with home building work until 2018. Mr Khoury scammed thousands of dollars from victims, falsely representing the need for electrical work, with the work that he did complete being sub-par. He also failed to comply with electrical safety standards (12 Feb)
o Luke Garry Faucett: a trader who was found guilty of fraud and fined $19,000 for fraud (dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception), failing to complete services he contracted for and unlicensed building work (12 Feb)
Mr Kang is due to face Parramatta Local Court on 20 March 2015.
Complaints about traders can be lodged via the NSW Fair Trading website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or through the contact centre on 13 32 20.