ACG security boss Harry Korras avoids jail over tax fraud
A high-profile Melbourne security boss, who has protected the likes of Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been spared jail despite initially being sentenced to more than two years behind bars.
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A former security boss who has worked alongside Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger has avoided jail over a tax fraud.
Harry Korras, 44, evaded paying almost $86,000 in tax with an “off the books” wages scheme for 10 guards at his ACG national security company.
He pleaded guilty to dishonestly causing a loss to the Commonwealth in the three years to October 2014.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or a $33,000 fine.
County Court judge Douglas Trapnell jailed him for 2 ½ years but immediately released him on a recognisance order, which requires him to commit to be of good behaviour for the length of the sentence.
He was also fined $10,000.
Judge Trapnell said he had to send a strong message to deter would-be offenders from committing such a deliberate and sustained fraud.
“Because the tax system is based on trust, it is open to abuse,” Judge Trapnell said.
“It is difficult to detect, and if undetected, the rewards can be great.
“Accordingly, when abuse is discovered, sentences must be salutary.”
Judge Trapnell said Korras’s crime would have flow on effects to honest taxpayers in the community.
“Your crime is not victimless, because the burden of fraud perpetrated on the Commonwealth government falls on the whole Australian community,” he said.
The court heard Korras has since paid back the full amount of $85,638 to the Australian Taxation Office.
Korras was once Melbourne’s go-to man for security.
His ACG firm held major security contracts for the Port of Melbourne, Etihad stadium, Coca Cola Amatil and the three major horse racing tracks: Flemington, Caulfield and Moonee Valley.
Major events including the Australian Open were also under his watch.
He no longer works in the industry after having his licence stripped, with the court hearing he is a motivational speaker and event manager for touring celebrities.
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Korras flanked Schwarzenegger when the famous muscleman was in Melbourne for the Arnold Classic bodybuilding fair in March last year.
He faced scrutiny as he did not hold a valid security licence at the time, but claimed he was not the movie star’s bodyguard and instead “just an event manager”.
Korras was also involved with the former governor of California’s visit to Melbourne in 2015.
ACG was sold to Spotless security firm in late 2014 — at the same time police were circling around Korras and his black money wage payments scheme.
He was arrested and charged after giving a “no comment” interview in February 2015.