Croatia’s tourist board distances itself from alleged Australian con woman Adriana Matak’s work claims
Croatian officials have told of their shock over claims by an alleged Aussie con woman who flaunted her luxury life on social media.
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Exclusive: The Croatia National Tourist Board has distanced itself from alleged Australian con woman Adriana Matak, saying any suggestion it employed her is “false”.
Senior officials at the national visitor organisation said they were “shocked” to learn of allegations Mrs Matak used the organisation’s name to boost and legitimise her profile.
The CNTB launched an internal investigation into Mrs Matak, whose social media accounts were until recently flooded with tales and pictures of her travelling the globe in first class, after being contacted by News Corp.
The 36-year-old and her husband Luka Matak, 31, are being held in Remetinec prison in the Croatian capital Zagreb over allegations they defrauded five people of about 350,000 euros ($587,000).
But sources believe the couple could have fleeced victims by as much as $4 million with their get-rich investment scheme.
The Mataks have not been charged with any offence and deny the allegations.
“Ms. Adriana Matak (maiden name Kupresak) has never been employed by, nor is an employee of the Croatian National Tourist Board”, the board said in a statement to News Corp.
“Any claim by Ms Matak or others suggesting this is false.
“Ms Matak did write a freelance text and partook in group press trips (two in total).
“Her participation and content produced at the time were up to standard.
“The CNTB was shocked to hear of her arrest and the allegations surrounding it.
“We are certain the authorities are handling this and do not have any further information on this matter.”
Mrs Matak, who grew up in Sydney and allegedly worked as a hostess in a high-end London gentlemen’s club, began promoting herself as a travel blogger when she returned to her homeland of Croatia four years ago.
“I am fortunate to have collaborated with the National Tourism Board of Croatia and various local tourist boards on creating content revolving around the country …” she wrote on one of her travel blogs, which has since been removed.
“A lot of my content has been focused on Croatia and I also do a lot of social media consulting in the UK where I focus most of my attention …”
In the Croatia Week newspaper she claimed to have worked closely for two years with the CNTB, writing: “I recently attended the second part of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s Visit Slavonia campaign …”
Mr Matak, a former barman from Sydney, has described himself as a hedge fund director.
Sources who trusted Mr Matak with their money have previously told News Corp he was given at least 2.5m pounds ($4.9m) from investors in Croatia, Britain and Australia with the promise of generating returns of up to 20 per cent a year.
Mr Matak has also been accused of failing to pay for a $45,000 diamond ring he bought for his wife for their engagement.
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