David Collard again facing eviction over claims of unpaid rent at $5.2m New York apartment

The drama surrounding Geelong native David Collard is seemingly never-ending with the failed businessman on the verge of again being evicted from a swanky New York apartment.

Geelong native David Collard is on the verge of being evicted from his Hell's Kitchen apartment in New York. Source: streeteasy.com

Failed Geelong businessman David Collard is facing eviction from another swanky New York apartment as a federal probe into his company’s suspected tax fraud continues unabated.

Civil court documents seen by the Addy show that action has been brought against the former St Joseph’s student over claims he owes $208,000 in unpaid rent from last financial year.

The apartment, which last sold in April 2022 for $5.2m, is located nearby the Hudson River in the Hell’s Kitchen district.

It is understood the apartment lease was signed just prior to Mr Collard being evicted from his previous residence on New York’s Billionaire’s Row, again due to unpaid rent totalling well in excess of $600,000.

Real estate website Street Easy describes the 144 sqm, Alvaro Siza-designed Hell’s Kitchen apartment as “elegantly appointed (with) modern finishes and wide-plank oak floors embrace a neutral colour palette”.

David Collard appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court in February on assault charges. Picture: Jefferson Siegel.

It boasts three bedrooms and “two-and-a-half bathrooms with exclusive direct elevator-to-residence access”.

“Oversized windows provide ample sunlight and feature expansive views of the Hudson River to the west and uninterrupted views of downtown to the south,” the description states.

“The spacious primary bedroom boasts a five-fixture bathroom including radiant heated floors, honed tundra grey marble countertop and custom lighting designed by Sheppard.”

A trio of former employees of Mr Collard’s failed Scale Facilitation are also listed on the legal documents.

It is unclear if Mr Collard occupied the “primary bedroom”.

One former Scale executive and former Geelong local said: “In his mind, it’s the owner’s fault for him not paying up.”

“Just like it was the (Scale’s) employees fault for wanting their salaries paid,” he said.

“We (former employees) are sticking together and assisting the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and other authorities to ensure justice is served.”

Geelong native David Collard is on the verge of being evicted from his Hell's Kitchen apartment in New York. Source: streeteasy.com

The AFP confirmed on Thursday that its investigation into Scale remained ongoing.

A spokesman declined to comment further.

The investigation is based around potential tax fraud reportedly worth $76m.

No charges have been laid and Scale has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Former St Joseph’s classmate Jeremy Bowtell is in the early stages of producing a documentary – “Don’t Take The Call” – on Mr Collard and Scale.

A teaser has already been released.

“I really admire the courage shown to speak out, and we will continue to provide an outlet for others to share their story,” he said.

“In the next stage of the project we will be focusing more on the people responsible for this scam.

“This will take significant time and resources, so we welcome donations to the project through our fundraising page on Documentary Australia.”

Fellow St Joseph’s alumni and one-time Scale employee Michael Graham said he was confident the AFP investigation would ultimately hold those responsible to account.

“I’m told this is progressing well but will take time being a major fraud case,” he said.

“I hope to see the leaders of our (Geelong) community step forward and participate in this (documentary) project.”

Mr Collard has repeatedly failed to respond to questions.

Originally published as David Collard again facing eviction over claims of unpaid rent at $5.2m New York apartment