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Inside the lavish mansion of businessman accused of stealing from investors

A former high-flying Gold Coast businessman has been arrested accused of stealing millions of dollar from unsuspecting investors.

Richard Malborough allegedly ran the cold-call scam that duped victims into paying for homes that were never built.

While the 52-year-old's luxury home is complete with expensive finishings including Louis Vuitton furnishings, his alleged victims were left with little more than a concrete slab.

Richard Malborough greeted officers at his luxury mansion after stepping out of his Rolls Royce. Source: 7 News/ Queensland Police
Richard Malborough greeted officers at his luxury mansion after stepping out of his Rolls Royce. Source: 7 News/ Queensland Police
Police raided his property complete with Louis Vuitton furnishings on Tuesday. Source: 7 News/ Queensland Police
Police raided his property complete with Louis Vuitton furnishings on Tuesday. Source: 7 News/ Queensland Police

He was arrested at the sprawling mansion on Tuesday morning after detectives raided the property which boasts a large pool complete with a swim up bar and even a practice putting green.

But officers were made to wait as the alleged scammer was out on their arrival. He eventually returned in his Rolls Royce.

Richard Malborough was arrested at his luxury home on Tuesday. Source: 7 News/ Queensland Police
Richard Malborough was arrested at his luxury home on Tuesday. Source: 7 News/ Queensland Police

The former director of the collapsed 'Members Alliance Group' is accused of fleecing $2.2 million from more than 40 mum and dad investors.

His lawyer, Daniel Hallay, confirmed on Tuesday his client plans to fight the allegations.

"It's an extensive and complex police investigation and it's obviously refuted," he said.

His former liquidated company is believed to owe around $30million. Source: 7 News
His former liquidated company is believed to owe around $30million. Source: 7 News

Police claim victims were cold called signing on for home and land packages in regional areas thousands, thousands of kilometres from where they lived.

As time passed they were allegedly conned into making progress payments for building work that was never done.

Some of the victims only found out their houses weren't finished when they received council fines for having overgrown allotments. Others who became suspicious hired private investigators.

Some of his customers were allegedly sent images of homes that weren't even theirs. Source: 7 News
Some of his customers were allegedly sent images of homes that weren't even theirs. Source: 7 News

"Some photographs were sent to people that weren't even the houses they were purchasing or getting built. The offenders themselves have actually forged signatures of some home buyers," Det. Supt Terry Lawrence, Financial and Cyber Crime Group, said.

The company which employed 350 people was liquidated in 2016, yet is believed to owe several parties a combined total of about $30 million.

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"We understand the ATO and other employees' superannuation has not been paid, and money is also owed to the Gold Coast City Council," Det. Supt Lawrence confirmed.

On Tuesday evening, Mr Malborough was released on bail on the condition he gives up his passport, reports to police and avoids contact with any of his former employees.