The Block, Ray White agent Aaron Hill referred to state consumer watchdog

A Ray White agent who allegedly helped Adrian Portelli remove items from a Block house was advised by management to seek independent legal advice after an internal probe, sources claim.

A real estate agent who allegedly helped Lambo Guy Adrian Portelli remove $50,000 worth of wine from a house featured on The Block has been referred to the state’s consumer watchdog over his part in the matter.

The Herald Sun understands Ray White agent Aaron Hill, who featured on the reality show last year, was the subject of a complaint made to Consumer Affairs Victoria earlier this month.

The move is expected to pave the way for an investigation into allegations Mr Hill breached his professional conduct and obligations as a real estate agent.

Mr Hill was captured on CCTV in March among a group of people, including Mr Portelli, removing boxes and bottles of wine from the Gisborne property.

The vision, revealed by the Herald Sun earlier this month, was uncovered by Kevin and Andrea Griffin after they won the heritage-style home through Mr Portelli’s business LMCT+.

Ray White real estate agent Aaron Hill inspects one of the CCTV cameras installed at the Gisborne property. Picture: Supplied

The couple alleged Mr Portelli took more than $100,000 worth of goods from the home between March 10-12, including a $5000 treadmill, a wine fridge costing more than $5900, a Samsung Airdresser, and a range of SMEG appliances.

Mr Portelli, 34, strenuously denies the couple’s allegations that he stole the goods, with his lawyer saying the giveaway’s terms and conditions stated that “appliances were considered optional”.

His team did not provide a copy of the terms and conditions to the Griffin’s lawyer upon request.

Sources close to the matter also claimed Mr Hill was advised by Ray White management to seek independent legal advice after the office undertook an internal investigation.

In June a complaint was lodged to management, by family members acting on behalf of the Griffins, regarding Mr Hill and a female colleague’s conduct over the matter.

The relatives, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed they were told by a team member during a phone call that an internal probe had occurred – but the situation was “unique”.

Ray White real estate agent Aaron Hill has been referred to the state's consumer watchdog. Picture: Supplied

Ray White management advised the complainants to contact the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) if they were not satisfied with the internal investigation, they claimed.

Mr Hill said he was unaware of any complaints made against him to Consumer Affairs and that he was acting on instructions from his vendor, Channel Nine, when captured on CCTV.

“I’ve got no idea what you are talking about,” Mr Hill told the Herald Sun.

“I sold a house to Adrian Portelli, I don’t know the Griffins, I have never met them, I don’t know who they are.

“When I’m there, I’m acting on instructions from my vendor.”

He added an image of himself captured on CCTV was recording him as he was on the phone to Channel 9 to alert them to the fact the camera was still there.

A Nine spokesman confirmed earlier this month that Mr Hill had permission to access the property on the morning of settlement to “hand over the keys to the winner”.

Mr Portelli claimed he purchased the home renovated by Sharon and Ankur, 54km northwest of Melbourne, in November last year after it passed in at auction on The Block.

But property records show the land title was never listed under Mr Portelli’s name and instead passed directly from a Nine Entertainment subsidiary to the Griffins on March 10.

Mr Portelli said the arrangement had been made to avoid paying stamp duty twice.

Couple Kevin and Andrea Griffin won the Gisborne property through Lambo man, Adrian Portelli's business LMCT+. Picture: Jason Edwards

LMCT+ promoted the house giveaway online in a video which promised that the property came with “$170,000 worth of Smeg appliances” and “$50,000 worth of wine”.

In a separate clip filmed inside the property and shared online to promote the draw, Mr Portelli declared “everything” was included with the prize.

On the morning of settlement, Mr Hill was seen carrying bottles and boxes of wine from the house, and remained at the property as Mr Portelli and several others continued to remove costly items.

Footage from the home’s security cameras also showed Mr Hill, accompanied on the day by a female colleague, taking a photo of one of the home security cameras on his mobile phone.

He also made a brief call asking whether the unknown party would still “need” the security cameras.

A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokesman said the department would not comment on individual cases but that it took complaints of estate agent conduct “seriously”.

“Estate agents in Victoria must be licensed and meet professional conduct obligations, including to act fairly, honestly and in good faith,” the spokesman said.

“Consumer Affairs Victoria takes reports of poor estate agent conduct seriously and will investigate and take further action where required.

“Anyone concerned about potential theft or other unlawful property-related crime should report this to Victoria Police.”

Ray White did not provide comment when approached by the Herald Sun.