Bruce Abernethy accused fraudster allegedly swindled steel giant Infrabuild of more than $4.6m

One of two men facing fraud charges over allegedly swindling Infrabuild Australia out of millions over a four-year period has checked into drug and alcohol rehab overseas.

Bruce Abernethy has been accused of defrauding steel giant Infrabuild. Picture: Alan Barber

An accused swindler who was allegedly behind a fraud racket that left a steel giant millions out of pocket has checked into drug and alcohol rehab in New Zealand.

Bruce Abernethy, 46, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 7 facing one charge of dishonestly obtaining property.

Mr Abernethy and his co-accused Shane De Jong, 52, were charged in early February for allegedly defrauding steel recycling manufacturer Infrabuild Australia for more than $4.6m over a four-year period.

Police have alleged Mr Abernethy to be the instigator, with Mr De Jong joining him in the alleged offending at a later date.

Mr Abernethy and his co-accused Shane De Jong allegedly siphoned more than $4.6m from the company.

In February, a court heard Mr De Jong allegedly unlawfully obtained more than $4.6m between August 2018 to May 2023.

Few further details of the duo’s scheme have been released, however in court on Monday, Mr Abernethy’s lawyer Justin Willee said his client had conceded to police that he had been taking a “30 per cent cut on transactions made by De Jong”.

On Monday, Mr Abernethy appeared in court via video-link from New Zealand.

Mr Willee told the court his client was undertaking drug and alcohol rehabilitation and doing volunteer work within the Maori community.

The court heard prosecution lawyer Georgia Hogg request an adjournment, as police continue to finalise the case against the pair.

Mr Abernethy is in New Zealand undergoing drug and alcohol rehab. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Willee said he “wasn’t opposed” to the adjournment and that his client was working to obtain further material to “bolster his plea”, including a psychological report.

Mr Abernethy and Mr De Jong are both yet to enter pleas.

Magistrate Stephen Ballek granted the request for delay.

“Given the amount involved … it’s appropriate for the matter to be properly resolved,” he said.

“He’s facing very serious charges.”

Mr Abernethy will return to court on June 11 for the continuation of his case.

Operating for more than 70 years, Infrabuild is a steel manufacturer that recycles scrap metal with a steel recycling depot based out of Laverton North.