Overview

• Prosecutor Steven Whybrow opened the case on July 28, alleging Chris Marco and former assistant Linda Marissen ran an elaborate make-believe investment scheme that bilked clients of $36.5 million.
• Marco, 67, faces 44 fraud charges and Marissen, 57, faces 26 counts, with both pleading not guilty as the eight-week hearing unfolds.
• Whybrow told the court that about $250 million was funnelled into Marco’s accounts over eight years, with roughly $198.5 million repaid to investors to maintain the operation.
• Evidence revealed that by the time authorities froze accounts in November 2018, the scheme owed $711 million but held just $12 million in liquid assets.
• Defence opening arguments are set to begin on July 29, and seven complainants, including accountants and a super fund manager, are scheduled to give evidence.