Gatto Calls Opes Men To Meeting

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday April 10, 2008

Mark Forbes in Singapore

MELBOURNE'S underbelly surfaced in Singapore's five-star Shangri-La Hotel yesterday, with Mick Gatto and two associates holding court in the lobby as several local "friends" kept unwanted guests at bay.

A string of clients of the failed stockbroker Opes Prime came to call, interested in enlisting Mr Gatto's infamous influence to recover their investments.

Apparently spooked by the coverage surrounding Mr Gatto, the three key players in Singapore firms used for suspicious Opes Prime share transactions had agreed to meet him in the hotel today, Mr Gatto said.

Senior Singapore representative and sole director of the Virgin Islands-registered firm that owes Opes Prime more than $100 million, Jay Moghe, was flying back from Hong Kong for the meeting, Mr Gatto said.

With Opes Prime's official liquidators belittling any prospect of him accessing the missing millions, Mr Gatto, with his offsiders Matt Tomas and John Khoury, said they were on the verge of "doing a deal" with Singapore representatives that would recover large amounts.

Directors of Opes Prime-linked firms, Mr Moghe, Gordon Browne and Raj Maiden, had all agreed to meet, Mr Gatto said. The men deny they have, or control, any of the missing funds.

Mr Gatto was angry at suggestions Mr Moghe was rushing back to Singapore to fly his wife and childrento safety.

"I've got a reputation to uphold and one of my key points is I don't interfere with women and children. I'm firm on that.

"We've got not intention in doing anything illegal or untoward to anyone."

Mr Browne and Mr Moghe did not respond to calls yesterday. Mr Maiden denied suggestions they had hidden funds.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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