Victoria Brigden

A Federal Court judge has recused himself from hearing a fraud trial against Forum Finance, after expressing that he had an “unfavourable” impression of director Vince Tesoriero’s reliability as a witness.

Bill Papas’ business partner Vince Tesoriero has won the release of $1.25 million to pay for his legal fees in Westpac’s fraud case against him, despite a judge’s finding that disclosure concerning his true financial position was “less than ideal” and included “staggering” discrepancies.

Forum Finance director Vince Tesoriero has been caught out for failing to declare over $150,000 to the court, as he took the stand to defend evidence given about his financial position in Westpac’s fraud case against him.

A judge has told Forum Finance director Vince Tesoriero to “revisit” evidence about his true financial position if he wants to win the release of $1.25 million to pay for his defence in Westpac’s fraud case against him, amid concerns about whether he has made full disclosure to the court.

Viagogo has lost a bid to overturn a $7 million penalty handed down after a judge found the ticket reseller misled customers on an “industrial scale”.

Bill Papas’ girlfriend Louise Agostino has hit back at Westpac’s lawsuit accusing her of involvement in the Forum Group director’s alleged $294 million fraud, denying all allegations and arguing that the bulk of the bank’s claims against her should be struck out.

A lawyer for Forum Finance director Bill Papas has argued the alleged fraudster should be able to shield documents held by his former lawyer under a claim for legal professional privilege despite being a “fugitive” from contempt charges.

Westpac has yet to commence extradition proceedings against Forum Finance director Bill Papas due to concerns that the alleged fraudster may face only contempt charges if he is brought back to Australia prematurely.

Forum Finance director Vince Tesoriero has lost a battle to stop receivers from selling luxury properties in which he and Bill Papas hold a stake pending the outcome of Westpac’s fraud case against him.

Forum Finance director Vince Tesoriero has raised concerns about the validity of the sale of a $4 million home in Sydney inner-West suburb Rozelle where company founder Bill Papas and his girlfriend lived, but a judge has indicated any attempt to block the sale would be “hopeless”.