Tony Madafferi to fight exclusion order banning him from Crown, Victorian racetracks
A FRUITERER accused in court documents of being a boss in Melbourne’s Calabrian mafia is challenging an exclusion order banning him from Crown casino and Victorian racetracks.
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A FRUITERER accused in court documents of being a boss in Melbourne’s Calabrian mafia is challenging an exclusion order banning him from Crown casino and Victorian racetracks.
Tony Madafferi, brother of jailed major drug trafficker Frank Madafferi, was slapped with the ban last year after years as a VIP at Crown.
The Keysborough fruit merchant and supermarket owner has gambled millions in its exclusive rooms.
His legal bid follows controversial jockey Danny Nikolic’s successful challenge to an exclusion order banning him from Victoria’s racetracks. A separate 2012 ban on Nikolic from Crown casino remains.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton withdrew the racetrack exclusion order on Nikolic without a legal battle.
Like Nikolic, Mr Madafferi is seeking reasons for his exclusion, arguing he had not been afforded “natural justice’’.
Reasons for exclusion orders are not detailed by the Chief Commissioner.
In an affidavit seen by the Herald Sun, Mr Madafferi’s lawyer states he is seeking “relief or remedy’’ and wants the Chief Commissioner to “furnish a statement of reasons’’ for the exclusion orders.
Court documents state the Victoria Police Purana taskforce has been investigating Mr Madafferi over an alleged $200,000 “`murder contract’’ in a bitter personal feud with a former friend.
The Herald Sun understands Mr Madafferi’s finances have also been under scrutiny and some credit lines to him have been blocked.
Mr Madafferi, whose brother was jailed over a world record drug bust, has also taken court action in an attempt to identify sources of media articles about his activities, which he claims have defamed him.
Inquiries about a possible tightening of legislation surrounding exclusion orders has been dismissed by the State Government.
The force said: “Victoria Police continually review our policies and practices to ensure they are relevant, appropriate and current.’’