Property Developer Faces Court Over Alleged $20 Million Extortion Scheme
An Australian property developer has been charged in connection with an alleged extortion plot involving a mysterious enforcer known as 'Mr International'. Paul Fridman, 50, spent Monday night in custody after police raided his home in Caulfield, Melbourne, following a firebombing incident at a Glen Iris property over the weekend.
The Alleged Extortion Plot
According to court proceedings, Fridman allegedly hired the international standover man to collect debts from two former business partners. Police claim the developer was pursuing $250,000 from Ash Boyd and $20 million from Nigel Givoni. The court heard that after engaging 'Mr International', dozens of threatening messages were sent to the victims and Mr Boyd's wife.
One alleged message stated: 'I promise you … people get shot, houses get burnt and people get kidnapped over things like this. If my needs aren't met … I will start terrorising you all from today.'
The Firebombing Incident
The case took a violent turn when two Molotov cocktails were allegedly thrown at a Glen Iris property on Saturday night, setting the porch alight. Hours after the attack, Mr Boyd reportedly received another message: 'Good afternoon brother, have you changed your mind? Either you pay the bill … or I keep terrorising you.'
Detective Senior Constable Andrew Lauder told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court it was 'nothing short of a miracle' that no one was injured in the firebombing. An associate of the standover man was captured on CCTV delivering a handwritten note to the Boyd family mailbox reading: 'Tell Ash to get in contact with Mr International.'
Fridman's Arrest and Bail
Fridman broke down in tears as he was taken to jail after his bail application. He has been charged with three counts of extortion, blackmail, and possessing cocaine. Police opposed bail, citing concerns he might destroy evidence or interfere with witnesses.
However, on Tuesday night, Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge granted bail with a $225,000 surety provided by Fridman's parents. The developer admitted in police interviews to hiring the standover man through a contact, promising a 10% cut of any recovered money, but claimed he didn't know the enforcer's real name.
Questions Submitted to ChatGPT
In a modern twist to the case, questions Fridman allegedly typed into ChatGPT were presented in court. These included: 'Is it legal in Australia to sell debt to a third party?' and 'What happens if that person turns violent?' Fridman conceded he knew threats and harassment would follow but denied instructing violence or property damage.
Background of the Accused
Fridman founded property development company Fridcorp at age 21 and appeared on the BRW Young Rich List in 2012 with an estimated $65 million fortune. His company made headlines in 2021 when it acquired The Intercontinental Hotel Double Bay in Sydney for $180 million. The property, known as the Ritz Carlton in the 1990s, hosted Princess Diana in 1996 and was where INXS frontman Michael Hutchence was found dead the following year.
Despite his previous success, Fridman was declared bankrupt in August 2023. He also faced legal troubles in 2021 when former Hawthorn AFL star Brad Sewell won a case over unpaid rent. Sewell had leased his Brighton property to Fridman for $12,167 monthly, with VCAT ordering payment of $48,472 in arrears.
The hunt continues for the true identity of 'Mr International', while Fridman's wife supported him in court during the proceedings.
