Aaron Salvestrin was charged in a Sydney local court this week. Photo: First Choice Cellars Facebook.
Former Griffith winemaker Aaron Salvestrin faced a Sydney court on Tuesday (19 August), charged with 17 counts of dishonestly trying to obtain a gain from a Commonwealth entity.
The 30-year-old was granted bail under the condition that he report to Dee Why Police Station (in Sydney) once daily between 8 am and 8 pm.
He was also ordered to surrender any passports he held to any police officer at the Dee Why Police Area Command within 12 hours; to not apply for any passport or travel document and to not enter any point of departure (such as an airport) in Australia.
Mr Salvestrin will again face the Sydney Downing Centre court on 14 October for a brief committal hearing, in which the magistrate will decide whether there is enough evidence to take the matter to a higher court. The case against him is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Under his bail conditions, he is to remain within the Sydney Northern Beaches postcode 2099, but can travel to Griffith provided he notifies police of his intention to do so 24 hours in advance.
He has been living in Sydney for the past year, though has made occasional visits to Griffith, where his family and friends live.
Region previously reported that Mr Salvestrin’s Hanwood-based winery, Sans Pareil Estate, went into liquidation in October 2022 and was alleged to have received up to $17 million from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) from “fraudulent” GST refund claims.
A rare 2014 McLaren P1 supercar signed by Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo was sold for $1.47 million as part of the liquidation process, which recovered less than 15 per cent of the money owed.
Only 375 McLaren P1 supercars have been made worldwide and one was bought by Mr Salvestrin. Photo: Wikipedia.
In 2023, the liquidator, Gavin Moss, launched civil (non-criminal) Supreme Court proceedings to recover money from Mr Salvestrin. He alleged the company director made several “personal” transactions that did not benefit the business and therefore breached corporation law.
In early 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Mr Moss and ordered Mr Salvestrin pay back creditors $8.4 million. The former winemaker declared himself bankrupt seven days later.
Mr Salvestrin launched Sans Pareil, which is French for “without equal”, at the age of just 23. He credited TAFE NSW, where he completed a Certificate III in Wine Operation, with helping him create a platform for success in the ultracompetitive industry.
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