Melissa Caddick's husband is trying to claw back some of the millions in property, cars, jewellery and designer clothes owned by the Sydney fraudster.
Anthony Koletti, who married Ms Caddick in 2013, submitted a statement to the Federal Court on Tuesday claiming his financial contribution to the household over 2017-2020 meant he was entitled to a cut of his wife's assets.
These include two homes in Dover Heights and Edgecliff worth an estimated $20 million, Ms Caddick's Gucci wedding dress and various pieces of jewellery together worth more than $95,000.
Mr Koletti submitted that the extensive media attention surrounding Ms Caddick's actions and her presumed death had prevented him from securing stable employment beyond casual hairdressing jobs.
Ms Caddick's extensive assets are in the process of being liquidated to pay back some of the $23 million she stole from investors in her Ponzi scheme.
The 49-year-old disappeared in November 2020 the day after the Australian Investment and Securities Commission (ASIC) raided her Dover Heights home.
Her decomposed foot was found three months later on Bournda Beach near Tathra, about 500 kilometres south of Sydney.
In his statement, Mr Koletti said that his financial and non-financial contributions to the household – including performing duties as a homemaker and caring for Ms Caddick's son – meant he was entitled to a share of his late wife's property.
Mr Koletti is seeking a cut from the sale of the following:
- A five-bedroom house in Dover Heights – estimated worth: $15-$17 million.
- A three-bedroom apartment in Edgecliff – estimated worth: $4 million.
- Various luxury cars — $360,000 (already sold)
- Various shares — $7 million
Mr Koletti is seeking full ownership of the following:
- Five paintings by Australian artist John Olsen
- Ms Caddick's Gucci wedding dress
- An 18 carat white gold cross from Canturi - valued at $8,360.
- 18 carat white gold Onyx cufflinks — valued at $5,600.
- An 18 carat white gold and sapphire ring — valued at $10,450.
- An 18 carat white gold skull pendant — $6,300.
- A diamond ring set by Canturi — $33,960.
- Mr Koletti's wedding band — $26,500.
The Federal Court has determined that Ms Caddick and her company, Maliver Pty Limited, operated without a financial services licence.
It has ordered that the company be wound up and that Ms Caddick's assets be distributed by the receivers.
Criminal charges against Ms Caddick were withdrawn to allow the civil case in the Federal Court to continue.
The NSW Coroner last week confirmed a start date for an inquest into the disappearance of Ms Caddick.
Last year there was uncertainty about whether the coroner would hold an inquest but hearings have been confirmed for September 12 to 26.
Police have previously said the fact Ms Caddick left personal belongings at her home suggests she took her own life.
