aussie027 wrote:Wow, This is very shocking news I must say.
As someone mentioned earlier $7-9K is a lot of money.
Fraud/theft has been committed. Failing to report this to the police immediately may also be a crime in itself and leave Admins in a legally questionable position.
I STRONGLY URGE THE CLUB ADMINS TO SEEK IMMEDIATE LEGAL ADVICE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Also I definitely think Paul's suggestion above --
"The club may need to appoint a treasurer and set up an account under the club's name, requiring co-signatures prior to funds being released, to ensure the safety of GB money".
IS DEFINITELY THE WAY TO GO FOR ALL CLUB GB AND MEMBERSHIP MONIES AND SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY.
I must admit I think this should have done in the very early days of the club esp when memberships were starting to be charged and the club was obviously growing very quickly and successfully.
A number of people in other threads mentioned legal issues the club may face re liability on cruises, etc and handling of public monies etc and the possible need to register the club legally etc etc to cover such contingencies.
I look forward to more updates on a course of action and a resolution.
Hey Aussie
Just FYI, there is a Club Account with co-signatories etc. But this group buy did not go through that account because Adrian felt he could handle the GB quickly at the time and to lend a hand to Ofey the chief buyer.
There is a thread created for all affected members to be involved.
The reason being is so to discuss and show a full effort of trying to resolve the matter outside legal channel first before we present any case to authorities. I have been told that failure to do so may end up having the case thrown back out of a claims court as there was no effort to resolve outside first.
If time lines and settled agreements on monies are not completed, then there can be solid case. But I speak for everyone we would want avoid that if possible.