Mr Oussama Taleb, of Craigieburn, Victoria, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently removing and redirecting assets belonging to Marcel Plastering Group Pty Ltd, ACN 611 332 891 (Marcel Plastering) (in liquidation). 

Mr Taleb, a shadow director of Marcel Plastering, operated a plastering business.

After an investigation, ASIC formed the view that Mr Taleb, in his capacity as shadow director, engaged in conduct that resulted in the redirection of company funds to both his then partner’s personal account and to a related company, Marcel Group Pty Ltd ACN 617260367 (Marcel Group) (deregistered), for the combined amount of $43,000, after liquidators were appointed.

Marcel Plastering was placed in liquidation on 22 February 2017.

ASIC was alerted to Mr Taleb’s conduct following receipt of a report lodged by the Liquidator, Simon Nelson of BPS Reconstruction and Recovery.

At the time of the liquidation, Marcel Plastering owed creditors approximately $628,501.

Mr Taleb appeared in Court on 19 August 2019 and entered a guilty plea. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on 12 December 2019.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Editor's note 1:

On 12 December 2019, the matter was further adjourned for mention to 11 March 2020.

Editor's note 2:

Mr Taleb was sentenced at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on 11 March 2020 following an earlier guilty plea. He was convicted under s20(1)(a) of the Crimes Act 1914 and released upon entering into a $800 recognisance and to be of good behaviour for nine months.

As a result of his conviction, Mr Taleb is automatically disqualified from
managing companies for five years from the date of his conviction.