Canberra chef accused of money laundering, perjury and fraud

The owner of Canberra’s Courgette Restaurant has been charged with money laundering, perjury and fraud. 

49-year-old chef James Mussillon was formally charged with 14 offences – some dating back to 2016.

According to court documents, police had been monitoring communications between Mussillon and co-accused Mohammed Al-Mofathel for many years. 

Police seized around $1 million in cash and assets in raids that were carried out at the restaurant and at the accused homes in suburbs Bonner and Holt.

Police also uncovered items including a gel blaster firearm, a commercial money counter and a quantity of steroids. 

Mussillon faces several charges including:

• three counts of dealing with the proceeds crime in amounts above $100,000
• perjury
• money laundering
• perverting the course of justice and
• making a false document to deceive a public official.
   

Al-Mofathel is charged with trafficking cannabis, perjury, money laundering and perverting the course of justice. 

Mr Al-Mofathel pleaded not guilty to all of the charges he is facing. 

Lawyer for Al-Mofathel, Paul Edmonds, told the court the case against his client was weak, adding "However strong the case is against Mr Mussillon, that cash was not found at the defendant's residence."

Al-Mofathel was refused bail, while Mussillon is yet to enter a plea. The former will reapply for bail next week, while the latter will also return to court to continue proceedings against him.

Irit Jackson, 16^th August 2021