A former bookkeeper for Revolver, a landmark nightclub in Prahran, Melbourne, is facing an amended civil claim in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleging she siphoned approximately $8.6 million from the venue’s bank accounts over more than eight years.
The claim alleges that over 900 unauthorized transfers were made, nearly double the number cited in the original filing.
The Parties Involved
- The Claimant: Camillo Ippoliti and his company, Taniti Pty Ltd, the owners of Revolver.
- The Defendant: Sutasinee McGuigan, the venue’s former bookkeeper.
The Allegations
An amended statement of claim filed on May 13, 2026, alleges that $8,571,770 was misappropriated from two Revolver-linked bank accounts between March 2017 and July 2025. This figure is nearly double the $4,486,608 alleged in the initial claim from December 2025.
The amended claim alleges that over 900 unauthorized transfers were made, a significant increase from the 594 payments referenced in the original filing.
Court documents detail where the funds allegedly went:
- $2,203,202 was transferred into three personal bank accounts belonging to Sutasinee McGuigan.
- $5,819,869 was transferred into a joint account she held with her husband, Patrick McGuigan.
- $350,200 was transferred to her daughter, Alexandra McGuigan.
The Method of Alleged Misappropriation
According to the claim, Sutasinee McGuigan used "fake transaction descriptions" to conceal the payments. These included bogus invoices from entities such as international beer companies, plumbers, musicians, and audio equipment suppliers.
Investigations into the funds are ongoing. On May 21, 2026, lawyers for the claimants issued subpoenas to four banks to access 14 accounts linked to the McGuigan family. This is related to an investigation into significant donations allegedly made by Sutasinee McGuigan to Buddhist temples in Melbourne.
Legal Status & Defenses
- Denials: Sutasinee McGuigan filed a defense on March 12, 2026, denying all allegations of misappropriation and breach of fiduciary duties. She reserved her right to privilege against self-incrimination, noting the matter was reported to the Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit in December 2025.
- Co-defendants' Denials: Patrick and Alexandra McGuigan also filed defenses denying complicity and claimed privilege against self-incrimination. Their lawyer, Dan Mackay, stated that no findings of fact or law have been made, and the allegations remain unproven.
- Police Involvement: The matter was reported to the Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit in Malvern in December 2025. As of the latest reports, no charges have been laid.
- Forensic Audit: A forensic accountant is reportedly reviewing Revolver’s financial records from the past 16 years.
"No findings of fact or law have been made, and the allegations remain unproven." — Dan Mackay, lawyer for the co-defendants
Background & Related Actions
- Other Venues: The alleged fraud was reportedly uncovered during an audit of Revolver and other venues previously owned by Camillo Ippoliti, including Cookie, The Toff, Magic Mountain Saloon, and Boney. Further court documents related to these audits are anticipated.
- Property Caveats: Caveats have been lodged on several properties owned by the McGuigan family, including apartments in Malvern and St Kilda and a house in Warrandyte North, preventing their sale until the alleged debt is resolved.
- Employment History: Sutasinee McGuigan, known as "Pae" to colleagues, has been employed by Revolver since 2010.
- Owner's Background: Camillo Ippoliti co-founded Revolver Upstairs in 1997 with Thai pop star Tan Punturaumporn. He has declined to comment while the matter is before the courts and under police investigation.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court has ordered the parties to attempt mediation. A direction hearing is scheduled for August 18, 2026.