Papers served at luxury new Sydney home

ANT KATZ

The Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP) has begun the process of liquidating the personal estates of errant father and son personal injury lawyers Ronald and Darren Bobroff. Ironically, the sequestration order (for two debts totalling R3,5 million) for son Darren was served at a luxurious new R26 million Sydney home.

The sitting president of the LSNP, Anthony Millar, had the notice of motion to sequestrate the estates of the two lawyers issued jointly and separately – a normal practice when it is unclear where, and in whose name, assets may be. Ronald has since entered an appearance to defend, while Darren has not. 

The fugitive pair were suspended from practising law in South Africa several months ago, and are both expected to be finally struck off the role of attorneys at a scheduled hearing at the Pretoria High Court on December 6. They are accused of overcharging clients and overbilling entities such as the Road Accident Fund as well as a slew of other fraud and tax evasion charges.

RIGHT: Social media picture of Ronald Bobroff enjoying his ‘retirement’ in Sydney

Speaking to Jewish Report, Millar, from his practice in Orange Grove, outlined some of the latest developments in the ongoing skirmish between the now-disgraced attorneys, their profession and a myriad South African government authorities, including SARS, the Hawks, the NPA, Road Accident Fund and others.

Millar says the LSNP is only acting for the profession and for aggrieved clients. He says he is “shocked by the numbers that have come out” of the LSNP audits. When he started with this process after the Bobroffs skipped South Africa eight months ago – after promising to hand themselves over to the police – he “had no idea of the extent and duration” of the claimed fraud, theft and money laundering.

“They have brought shame on their profession, their families and their community,” said Millar.

LEFT: the recently purchased luxury St Ives home where Darren Bobroff signed for his SEQUESTRATION NOTICE.

Below are links to some of the most-read stories on JR Online and one for all posts on this story…

23 Mar: Fled to Oz, Bobba carries can
4 April: Interpol’s extradition notices
6 Apr: Sheila’s tragic story
6 Apr: Tales of woe from former clients
20 Apr: NPA opens another enquiry
3 May: Travails piling up for Bobroffs
23 Aug: Whistle-blower claims kidnap
19 Oct: ‘Shame on profession, family’​

READ MORE ABOUT THE HOUSE BELOW

Since the notice of motion was issued, the amounts involved have grown exponentially and the LSNP is still unsure what the final figure will be.

The original sequestration order (see it on our website) was issued on behalf of only two clients to the tune of R3,5 million. However, said Millar, another R16 million in definite claims will be added; while a further amount in excess of R100 million is under investigation by the LSNP.

These amounts, says Millar, are purely those that involve claims to the LSNP from clients of the now-defunct Robert Bobroff and Partners Inc. They exclude the far larger amounts owed to business creditors and state authorities. The total amount owing, including the fines and penalties on unpaid taxes, is said to exceed R1 billion.

The purpose of the sequestration bid at this stage, says Millar, is “so that we can start unravelling the web of trusts and other vehicles they used to affect their nefarious activities”.

The papers were served on both Ronald and Darren Bobroff in Australia.

Darren Bobroff signed for his copy at 11 Shannon Street, St Ives, Sydney. This was ironic and notable as there has been much speculation about Darren’s purchase of the multi-million-dollar, plush, new house. Millar says the LSNP believes this to be Darren’s new home – although they do not have conclusive proof of this.

Ronald Bobroff has indicated that he will be entering an appearance to contest the case. He continues to claim to have evidence of complicity and a vendetta against his businesss

However, says Millar, Ronald will not be able to file affidavits and will have to testify personally in this regard, “and put himself at the mercy of the court”.

RIGHT: Darren, left, and Ronald Bobroff outside court at their last appearance in SA. They asked for the weekend to get their affairs in order before handing themselves over to police. The Hawks say they emptied out bank and trust accounts, put millions in the bank account of Ronald’s wife, grabbed Darren’s family and fled to Australia

Given that there is an arrest warrant out for him, should Ronald Bobroff return to South Africa for the liquidation hearing he would likely be arrested at the airport.

Millar says that 99 per cent of the questionable dealings so far uncovered in the LSNP audit “were signed off by Darren Bobroff”.

The investigation into the matter is “ongoing and tragic”, says Millar. “Unfortunately we will never be able to turn back the clock”, he admits, and victims and their families are, and will continue to suffer from inadequate medical care and compensation.