The Supreme Court of Western Australia has sentenced Chris Marco to 14 years imprisonment for committing extensive fraud against investors, with eligibility for parole after 12 years. This decision came after a jury convicted him on September 4, 2025, of 43 fraud offences that resulted in losses exceeding $34 million for six investors.
The Honourable Justice Whitby presided over the case, highlighting the gravity of Marco’s actions. Sarah Court, Deputy Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), emphasized that this sentence marks the conclusion of a troubling chapter for the affected investors. She stated, “Today’s sentence finally puts an end to a distressing chapter for investors who were stung by Mr Marco’s calculated and long-running deceitful practices.”
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
Between July 2013 and October 2018, Marco allegedly defrauded nine investors of over $36.5 million through deceitful schemes. The investigation by ASIC revealed that his fraudulent conduct was not only deliberate but also well-planned and sustained, relying heavily on building trust with his clients over extended periods.
Marco’s sentencing is noted as one of the most severe imposed by an Australian court in relation to an ASIC criminal probe. The court described the fraudulent conduct as a significant breach of trust, with the repercussions deeply affecting the victims involved.
The case underwent extensive scrutiny, culminating in a four-year investigation by ASIC, which led to Marco being charged with 50 counts of fraud in July 2022. Ultimately, the trial focused on 43 counts, resulting in his conviction. It was also revealed that Marco’s former executive assistant, Linda Marissen, was implicated in the fraud but was acquitted of all charges.
Legal Consequences and Future Implications
The ruling is a significant milestone for ASIC as it reinforces their commitment to protecting investors from fraudulent activities. “This case represents one of the most serious frauds ASIC has ever investigated,” Court remarked. She noted that the successful prosecution underscores the diligent work of ASIC’s investigators and legal teams, as well as their collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Earlier court proceedings had led to the winding up of Marco’s unregistered managed investment scheme operated through AMS Holdings (WA) Pty Ltd. On December 7, 2020, the Federal Court ordered that Marco be permanently restrained from conducting financial services without an Australian Financial Services Licence.
Chris Marco’s effective sentence of 14 years means he will be eligible for parole in 2037, two years before the end of his prison term, as his sentence was backdated to the date he was remanded in custody following the jury’s verdict. The case serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of financial misconduct and the importance of investor protection in the financial landscape.
