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Perth Fraudster Chris Marco Jailed for 14 Years Over Ponzi-Style Scheme

The case exposed a Ponzi-style operation that moved more than $253 million, leaving six complainants $34 million out of pocket.

Overview

  • Justice Natalie Whitby imposed a 14-year term backdated to September 2025, with parole eligibility after 12 years.
  • A jury found Marco guilty on 43 fraud counts in September following a lengthy WA Supreme Court trial.
  • Court evidence showed more than $253.8 million flowed into his accounts, with less than $200 million returned to investors.
  • Only about $11 million was sent overseas for purported investments, as most funds went to paying other investors and personal assets including property and cars.
  • Defense counsel said appeals will challenge the convictions and sentence, while victims flagged compensation claims and ASIC had shut the operation in 2018 before laying charges in 2022.