James Karbotli: Ex Gold Coast businessman used mother’s ID documents for $1.8m loan fraud

James Karbotli used his mother’s driver’s license, passport and mortgaged her Mermaid Beach property without her authorisation to defraud $1.8m in loans. Read the report

James Karbotli appeared at Southport Districts Court after using his mother's ID to defraud $1.8m in loans. Picture: Amaani Siddeek

A former business man took his mother’s ID documents and mortgaged her Mermaid Beach property without authorisation to fraudulently obtain $1.8 million.

James Karbotli appeared at Southport District Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of obtaining another person’s identification information to commit fraud.

In late 2016, Karbotli hired a mortgage broker to help get a loan for business ventures, the court was told.

In March 2017, Karbotli was offered an $800,000 loan and listed himself and his mother as the guarantors, listed their properties as security and provided his mother’s ID documents including her driver’s license and passport to the lender without her consent.

James Karbotli appeared at Southport Districts Court after using his mother's ID to defraud $1.8m in loans. Picture: Amaani Siddeek

A few months later, Karbotli’s mortgage broker organised a second loan of $1 million, again placing himself and his mother as the guarantors and listed his Amalfi Drive property and his mother’s Mermaid Beach property as security. He again used his mother’s ID to sign off the loans without consent.

Karbotli and his parents co-operated three businesses in early 2000 before his parents both retired in 2002. Karbotli became the sole trader while his parents became beneficiaries.

In 2007, Karbotli was charged and convicted by the Australian Federal Police for destruction of an Australian travel document after he ripped a page out of his own passport, the court was told.

He currently has an outstanding debt of $20 million to the Australian Taxation Office which he is contesting.

Karbotli was sentenced to 12 months probation and no conviction was recorded.