Kidnap, extortion claims involving crew of Roberta Williams reality TV show
Gangland widow Roberta Williams has become embroiled in a bizarre case of alleged extortion and kidnapping involving the cameraman and producer of her upcoming documentary series.
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A cameraman behind gangland widow Roberta Williams’s planned reality TV show has been charged with kidnapping and extortion over claims he assaulted the show’s producer.
Victoria Police have charged a 36-year-old man with false imprisonment, threats to kill and assault charges after an incident in Collingwood on July 9.
The man was arrested on Friday 12 July at a Melbourne airport.
He was remanded in custody over the weekend and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he was bailed to again appear in October.
The victim, Ryan, claimed he was lured into an apartment and forced at gunpoint to ask relatives to transfer $17, 000 to a bank account
He told the Herald Sun the alleged incident has left him fearful for his safety.
“I am extremely stressed for my family and most of all my two kids,” he said.
The Herald Sun understands Williams, who had been married to slain underworld figure Carl Williams, rejects any claim she was involved when the TV producer was allegedly held hostage.
It is alleged the cameraman demanded he ask relatives to send them money.
Williams, who has not been charged with any offence relating to the incident, is understood to dispute that it even took place.
The alleged victim has a chequered criminal history, and was jailed in 2017 for scamming $8000 from multiple victims on Gumtree.
Williams has set up a Go Fund Me page to solicit donations for a TV series featuring her and her only daughter with Carl Williams, Dhakota, which says she already has a producer attached to the project.
The GoFund Me account, launched on June 20, has raised $845 to supplement costs for the tell-all series.
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“The aim of this television series is to show the country what it’s like to be Roberta Williams,” the fundraiser read.
“Roberta was married to Carl Williams, one of the most powerful underworld figures in recent Australian history.
“His untimely death in prison impacted their entire family.
“This television series will give the public a glimpse inside the life of a family who live in the shadow of their fallen husband and father.”
The 10 — 13 episode documentary is due to air within the next 12 months, according to the fundraiser.