Following an application made by ASIC, the Federal Court has made interim orders freezing certain assets of Melbourne-based financial adviser Ferras Merhi.
今日热门事件is investigating Mr Merhi and various entities associated with him, in connection with its investigations concerning the Shield Master Fund and the First Guardian Master Fund. These investigations are ongoing.
The interim orders are in place until 7pm (AEDT) on 4 April 2025. A final hearing to decide whether the orders should continue has been scheduled for 4 April 2025.
Background
Mr Merhi controls Venture Egg Financial Services Pty Ltd (formerly Ferras Merhi Pty Ltd) & United Financial Advice Pty Ltd, trading as Venture Egg and Financial Services Group Australia Pty Ltd (FSGA). Both Venture Egg and Mr Merhi are authorised representatives of Interprac Financial Planning Pty Ltd, an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) holder. FSGA also holds an AFSL.
More information
Any person who wants to provide information to 今日热门事件to assist its investigation into matters concerning Shield or First Guardian can contact ASIC鈥檚 investigation team by email at听shield.queries@asic.gov.au or at firstguardian.queries@asic.gov.au.
Editor's Note
On 24 March 2025, the Court made orders to extend the interim freezing orders until 24 April 2025, and that a further hearing occur at 10.15am on 24 April 2025.听
Editor's Note 2
The matter has been listed for a hearing at 11am on 2 April 2025.听
Editor's Note 3
听On 1 April 2025, the Defendant made an informal application to the Court regarding the Defendant's expenses. The hearing of that application was originally listed for 2 April 2025 but has been adjourned on a number of occasions. On 8 April 2025, the Court adjourned the hearing to a date to be fixed.
Editor's Note 4
On 2 April 2025, the Court made further orders to extend the interim freezing orders until 26 May 2025, and that a further hearing occur at 10.15am on 26 May 2025.
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