THE alleged mastermind of Australia's largest art fraud, Ron Coles, is hiding out in a NSW coastal haven, driving taxis to make ends meet.
The former multimillionaire art dealer, who once rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, is accused of forging artworks and defrauding clients of up to $30 million.
But when The Sun-Herald found him filling up his taxi at a petrol station last Thursday night, he said: ``I am also a victim in this I haven't got anyone's paintings. I haven't got anyone's money.''
The artful dodger disappeared 10 months ago after his business dealings unravelled following an investigation by Fairfax newspapers. Police raided properties including his gallery in Kenthurst seizing more than 400 paintings and a firearm.
Some works by Australian masters including Arthur Streeton, Norman Lindsay and Pro Hart were found to be fakes.
As creditors, investors, police and media clamoured to find him, Mr Coles lived a secret life, eluding the public gaze until Thursday night his 62nd birthday.
After alighting from his taxi near his Central Coast hideaway, he realised he was being photographed. He attempted to run but changed his mind, stopping to declare he, too, was a victim in the extraordinary saga that has rocked the Australian art world.
``Why do you think I'm living like this in a small flat doing night-time taxi work? I'm also a victim in all of this,'' he said. ``I had to sell all of my property some were worth $3 million and I have done what I can to pay everyone back. I have run out of money, I have nothing.''
After agreeing to take a drive in his cab, he opened up about his downfall as one of Australia's leading art dealers. When told many people wanted to know where their art investments were and whether they were genuine works or fakes, he said: ``A lot of questions will be answered soon,'' adding he was a ``good man''.
``You know I have used every cent I had to pay as many creditors. My bankruptcy is in a Clayton's state of bankruptcy. I used my last $10 to pay my last creditor and, when I had nothing left, I went on the dole.
``The coppers know I have no overseas assets or anything hidden away. If I'm lucky, I can make about $700 a week that is $10 an hour, $100 a night, driving taxis seven days a week.''
On Thursday night Mr Coles agreed to talk again on Friday after consulting his Sydney-based lawyer on his legal position.
But on Friday after visiting a ``millionaire mate's'' place in Sydney and taking legal advice from his friend's solicitor he said he could not talk officially about the details of the case because he had not been formally interviewed by the NSW fraud squad.
``Twelve months before my demise, I could have rung a dozen people and got $500,000 off them in 48 hours,'' he said.
``That's $6 million. I could have gone overseas if I wanted to diddle anyone. They would have been more than happy to give it to me with the money they've made over the years [from art dealings]. They couldn't write the cheques quick enough.''
It was put to Mr Coles that there were many questions that people would like answered. Asked if he would like to send a message to his creditors and investors, he said: ``I've done the best I can possibly do; I have no money left. I ask investors to be patient.
``At the end of the day I am the worst off here as I have lost everything.''
Fraud squad commander Detective Superintendent Col Dyson has confirmed his officers had visited Mr Coles several weeks ago.
``Mr Coles was invited to do a formal interview but declined,'' Superintendent Dyson said.
Investigations are continuing.
< p>
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff
Twitter