Gold Coast Charity Founder Faces Multiple Charges, Granted Bail
Yas Daniel Matbouly, the founder of a Gold Coast charity, has been granted bail following charges for more than 50 offenses. The charges stem from investigations into multiple alleged sexual assault incidents on the Gold Coast.
Mr. Matbouly, 50, faces a total of 51 charges. These include:
- 34 counts of sexual assault
- 14 counts of rape
- Two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm
- One count of attempted rape
Queensland Police allege that offenses were committed against three women in their 20s, all connected to the charity, between April and November 2025. Mr. Matbouly, a Mermaid Beach resident, was arrested after detectives executed a search warrant at the charity's headquarters, and he subsequently attended Southport Police Station.
The alleged offenses were committed against three women in their 20s, all connected to the charity.
Bail Hearing Details
During Saturday's hearing at Southport Magistrates Court, prosecutors objected to Mr. Matbouly's bail, citing concerns that he posed an unacceptable flight risk and a risk of reoffending. However, his defense counsel, Tim Ryan KC, argued that the risks could be managed through specific conditions, highlighting that Mr. Matbouly had voluntarily surrendered to police.
Mr. Matbouly was granted bail under the following conditions:
- A ban on international travel.
- A requirement to report to Broadbeach Police Station twice-weekly.
- A prohibition from contacting the three women who made the complaints.
His case has been adjourned until February 19.
Charity Background
Mr. Matbouly is the founder of Serving Our People (SOP), a charity established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. SOP is described as a rapidly growing charity, offering support such as food deliveries and free supermarkets to the homeless and vulnerable across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
According to its 2025 annual report, SOP operates with approximately 1,300 volunteers and 11 full-time equivalent staff. The charity has gained significant recognition in the region, receiving support from major Gold Coast businesses, public figures, and politicians, including Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, state ministers, and federal opposition figures. Four SOP committee members resigned in late 2025.
Mr. Matbouly is also listed as the president of Goldbridge, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity based in Southport.
There are no allegations of wrongdoing made against the charity Serving Our People itself.