Melbourne Deluxe Real Estate charged over alleged misuse of trust money

A LUXURY Melbourne property agency is facing charges for allegedly misusing about $245,000 of trust money.

Paul Pfeiffer will face court for allegedly misappropriating trust money.

A LUXURY Melbourne property agency is facing charges for allegedly misusing about $245,000 of trust money.

Consumer Affairs Victoria will allege in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that Melbourne Deluxe Real Estate Pty Ltd — trading as Melbourne Deluxe Property — and its director and officer in effective control Paul Pfeiffer breached the Estate Agents Act 1980.

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The consumer watchdog claims Mr Pfeiffer, 46, “knowingly authorised or permitted” the East Melbourne company to misappropriate the funds in April and May 2016.

The case is scheduled to begin in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 22, with a committal mention.

The Herald Sun has attempted to contact Mr Pfeiffer for comment.

The new case comes as two former LJ Hooker agents prepare to return to court over the disappearance of more than $2 million of clients’ money, allegedly plundered from trust accounts and property deposits.

Truc Thanh Le Nguyen — the ex-director of six Melbourne real estate offices, who also goes by Judy Nguyen and Judy Thanh Truc — and her husband and employee Tri Duc Ngo, also known as Joseph Ngo, are scheduled to return to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Both face more than 300 charges, and jail time.

Ms Nguyen has indicated she will plead not guilty to the charges.