The Morning Edition Kate McClymont on the fake accountant, the solicitor, and the stolen millions
Dec 3, 2025
Kate McClymont, a chief investigative reporter renowned for uncovering corruption and fraud, exposes the shocking case of George Dimitriou, a conman posing as an accountant. She recounts the tragic experiences of victims like Mark and Kathy Leishman, who lost their home and $4 million due to Dimitriou's deceitful schemes. Kate details his fraudulent tactics, including forged documents and alleged collusion with solicitors. The chilling story raises questions about the failures of banks and regulators to protect vulnerable individuals.
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Fake Accountant Turned Serial Conman
- Kate McClymont describes George Dimitriou posing as an accountant after leaving school in year 10 and starting a garden business before turning to fraud around 2010.
- Victims were initially reassured by small early successes until large forged loans and repossessions revealed the scam.
Leishmans’ Home Repossessed After Forgeries
- Mark and Kathy Leishman went to Dimitriou for help with Mark's business cash-flow and ended up losing their Newcastle home after forged documents led to repossession.
- They say they lost about $4 million and faced public embarrassment from process servers at work.
Forged Signatures Led To Bankruptcy
- Lepa Sanna from the Central Coast had signatures forged, lost her house and was made bankrupt without knowing because documents went to Dimitriou's office.
- She later faced false court filings claiming she was in a mental institution to explain absences.