It's official: Henderson in Spain – and in hot water
The bankrupt Auckland property developer, who claimed he was in Australia, is located in Europe. He now faces an investigation for possibly misleading the OA.
The bankrupt Auckland property developer, who claimed he was in Australia, is located in Europe. He now faces an investigation for possibly misleading the OA.
Bankrupt Auckland property developer David Henderson is being investigated by the Official Assignee after claiming to be in Australia when he was actually in Spain.
The prominent socialite left the country on Friday June 10, the day after he was made bankrupt by the High Court.
Media reports suggested he had flown to Spain but Mr Henderson contacted the Official Assignee claiming he was on holiday in Australia
Auckland Official Assignee David Harte issued the following statement this morning:
"I can advise that on 14 June 2011 the bankrupt contacted our office to advise that he was holidaying in Australia with friends and that the media reports of him being in Spain were wrong and he had no intention of fleeing New Zealand.
"He also confirmed that he would fully cooperate with the Official Assignee as required under the Insolvency Act 2006. This was the information I provided to the media last week along with confirmation that we would be assessing whether to prosecute for travelling overseas without consent.
"Our continuing investigations have now confirmed that the bankrupt is indeed actually off the coast of Spain on an associate’s yacht."
Media have reported the associate was Auckland millionaire David Kimpton, who hit the headlines a few years ago when he left a note in the letterbox telling his Russian wife Rosa he was off to Spain without her.
Possible offence
"The bankrupt has now also confirmed this to us in person," Mr Harte said. "The bankrupt is now also being assessed as to whether he has committed a possible offence of attempting to mislead the Official Assignee. This will be progressed as part of our interview with the bankrupt immediately on his return."
Bankrupts need to get permission from the Official Assignee before traveling overseas.
Failure to do so could result in prosecution, with maximum penalties of up to three years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.