The homes of two senior directors at troubled Perth building company Nicheliving have been raided as part of an escalating investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Nicheliving directors Ronnie Michel-Elhaj and Paul Bitdorf were the focus of coordinated searches last week, conducted with support from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The ABC understands laptops, phones and other digital devices were seized during the operation. A third property in Hobart was also searched.
The fresh scrutiny comes after the company was banned from constructing homes for 10 years, following widespread delays that left hundreds of customers unable to move into properties that were years behind schedule.
ASIC has not confirmed what prompted the latest phase of the investigation, saying only that inquiries are ongoing. Both directors have been contacted for comment.
Last year, the Western Australian government reached a deal with the Nicheliving directors to surrender their building licences, allowing affected homeowners to claim up to $200,000 in building indemnity insurance to complete their unfinished homes.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the new probe was a vital step toward rebuilding trust in the state’s residential construction sector.
“It’s important that everyone knows we are focused on ensuring the housing construction industry is working in the best interests of clients,” he said. “We welcome any opportunity that helps deliver accountability and keeps this work moving.”
Nicheliving’s collapse has become one of Western Australia’s most high-profile building failures amid ongoing pressures across the construction industry.