Angelo Gargasoulas, Simon Simoudis, Alex Talpau charged with Melbourne drug trafficking

A Melbourne couple became suspicious about the behaviour of their short-stay tenant who was later implicated in an alleged major drug dealing racket.

Accused Melbourne drug dealers Simon Simoudis (left), Alex Talpau (centre) and Angelo Gargasoulas (right).

An alleged major Melbourne high-rise drug trafficking racket unravelled after an alert couple spotted suspicious activity at their boutique short-stay apartment.

The couple alerted police to suspected drug dealer Simon Simoudis after he leased their inner city apartment earlier this year.

Mr Simoudis, 36, and co-accused Alex Talpau, 36, fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of meth.

Mr Simoudis and Mr Talpau were allegedly nabbed with various drugs and cash at a Southbank apartment on July 10.

The pair, who were both charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4 butanediol, were allegedly caught with MDMA, meth, cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.

Mr Simoudis and Mr Talpau, who were both charged with trafficking ketamine, MDMA, cannabis and cocaine, were also allegedly caught with $4305.

Investigators also allegedly seized identity documents police suspect were to be used to commit an indictable offence at the apartment tenanted by Mr Talpau.

OPP prosecutor Jonathon McCarthy told the court a “large number of drugs” was seized and the “analysis has commenced”.

Simon Simoudis

Mr McCarthy also said evidence allegedly found at Mr Talpau’s apartment led police to arrest the brother of Bourke St Mall mass murderer James Gargasoulas.

Angelo Gargasoulas, who did not appear at court, was charged with drug trafficking and drug possession.

The court heard Mr Gargasoulas was only recently charged and the brief of evidence was yet to be prepared.

Mr McCarthy said Mr Gargasoulas was linked to Mr Simoudis and Mr Talpau’s alleged drug racket.

The prosecution submitted it was anticipated all three co-accused will appear together at the next court date.

Mr Simoudis and Mr Talpau were arrested after a Melbourne couple alerted police to “suspicious” activity at their inner-city apartment.

Alex Talpau

The couple had engaged Luxico, an upmarket Airbnb-type company which markets itself for the filthy rich, to facilitate short-stay tenancies.

Luxico greenlit Mr Simoudis to rent the couple’s inner-city apartment.

Mr Simoudis caused major issues for them and other tenants at the up-market complex shortly after he arrived in April this year.

Luxico, which markets itself for “rock stars, families and anyone who loves being treated like a VIP”, approved Mr Simoudis’ tenancy application in March this year.

Mr Simoudis presented himself to Luxico as a healthcare professional with “exemplary references” who purported to be a Mayne Pharma employee.

The couple authorised Mr Simoudis, who claimed to be a “pharmaceutical representative” in Melbourne for work, to move in on a three-month term.

“Mr Simoudis made our lives and the lives of other tenants in the building hell … with all-night parties …,” a spokesperson for the couple said.

Angelo Gargasoulas

The couple also claimed Mr Simoudis allegedly caused property damage and stole items.

The spokesperson, who visited the property after suspecting something was wrong, was “stunned” when they spotted “high-profile” convicted drug queen Tess Rowlatt at the apartment.

“I said ‘you’re that criminal Tess Rowlatt’ when I saw her … I recognised her immediately,” the spokesperson said.

The couple also said police attended the apartment multiple times and they and other tenants allegedly witnessed Mr Simoudis and Mr Talpau stash suspected drug paraphernalia and identity forging material.

The couple eventually reported Mr Simoudis to police.

Mr Simoudis, whose tenancy ended on July 2, was arrested after moving on to Mr Talpau’s Southbank apartment just eight days later.

The couple, via their lawyer, also alleged Luxico “engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct” and are seeking compensation.

Luxico co-founder and managing director Alex Ormerod said there was “no reason” to suspect Mr Simoudis’ references were “false”.

“(The spokesperson) was previously a client of Luxico in relation to short-stay arrangements …,” Ms Ormerod said.

“When Mr Simoudis was being assessed as a short-stay guest, he provided references and documents to Luxico.

“There was no reason for Luxico to suspect that any of these were false.

“Luxico vigorously denies any professional misconduct or negligence …

“As a result, Luxico has no liability of any nature to (the former client).

Mr Simoudis is on remand.

“To the extent it can, Luxico is assisting (the former client’s) insurer with claims for recovery of alleged losses.”

Rowlatt, 35, made headlines after she was done for a major meth and drug dealing operation.

The party girl was sentenced in the County Court in February to time served – 419 days – after pleading guilty to trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs.

Rowlatt became the focus of a targeted operation conducted by the Victoria Police Major Drug Squad who arrested the drug queen at Upper West Side Spencer St apartment in October 2021.

Mr Simoudis, who appeared on remand, and Mr Gargasoulas will front court at a later date.

Mr Talpau, who appeared with his dog which he waved at Mr Simoudis, had his bail extended.