Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has restrained Champion Caravans and its operator, Antonios ‘Tony’ Giannakos, from accepting deposits for the supply or manufacture of caravans or any other payments for the supply of caravans, or related goods, prior to their actual delivery to the purchaser.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria sought an interim injunction in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 February, after Mr Giannakos (trading as Champion Caravans) received payments totalling more than $30,000 from consumers for the supply of a custom-built caravan, but then failed to supply it or refund the money.
The court granted the interim injunction, ordering that Mr Giannakos not:
(a) accept deposits for the sale, supply or manufacture of caravans, camper vans or like vehicles
(b) accept payment or other consideration for supplying or manufacturing caravans, camper vans or like vehicles (including any parts or accessories), before those items are delivered to the purchaser
(c) sell or negotiate the sale or disposal of any caravan, camper van or like vehicle on behalf of anyone else
(d) accept any deposit or payment for the sale or manufacture of any caravan, camper van or like vehicle, or for fitting any accessory or part to such a vehicle, on behalf of anyone else.
The hearing was adjourned until 28 May.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria last month issued a public warning to consumers and businesses about the conduct of Champion Caravans and Mr Giannakos. Read our Tony Giannakos and Champion Caravans – Public warning.
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