Adriana Benhamou Weiss of Sydney, New South Wales, has appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney faced with twelve charges of falsifying financial records.
Ms Benhamou Weiss was the company director of the interior design business Benhamou Designs Pty Ltd (ACN 167 579 893). ASIC alleges that between November and December 2016, she directed an employee of her firm to create false financial records relating to the affairs of Benhamou Designs.
ASIC alleges that twelve false financial records were created showing payments made by Benhamou Designs to suppliers and contractors that had not been made.
Benhamou Designs went into liquidation on 4 July 2018 and was wound up owing approximately $8,118,362 to creditors.
ASIC's investigation was aided by a supplementary report lodged by Benhamou Design's liquidator, Robyn Duggan of Ferrier Hodgson. ASIC assisted Ms Duggan in preparing the supplementary report by providing funding from the Assetless Administration Fund.
Ms Benhamou Weiss will next appear before the Court on 15 February 2022.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter following a referral from ASIC.
Background
At the time of the conduct, concealing, destroying, mutilating, or falsifying securities or books, contrary to s1307(1) of the Corporations Act carried a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
