Paul Guzzardi accused of taking money for concrete jobs never done in Wagga, Riverina, Victoria

Paul Joseph Guzzardi was extradited from South Australia in early February over dozens of frauds allegedly perpetrated through his business, Goonawarra Concreting, including one Wagga victim who is almost $16,000 out of pocket.

More than 20 charge summaries were aired in Wangaratta Court as Guzzardi, 47, appeared from custody to make an application for bail on allegations of obtaining property by deception.

His alleged victims were spread across the Riverina, Victoria's North East and beyond, including Wagga, Wangaratta, Oxley, Glenrowan, Benalla, Springhurst, Kialla, Swan Hill, Mansfield, Mooroopna and Cobram.

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Police say victims transferred thousands of dollars to Guzzardi, having found his business Goonawarra Concreting, based at Benalla, on social media and other internet sites.

Guzzardi would request deposits ranging from 25 to 50 per cent of the total he would quote on concreting jobs, and often flagged the rising price of materials to make further requests for money.

A Wagga resident is alleged to have lost $15,696 to Guzzardi, who quoted $14,000 for a job in June, prompting the victim to pay a deposit of $2234.

After asking for and receiving another $3000, Guzzardi told the customer he had underquoted by $5000 and requested half of that, which the victim paid.

When he failed to arrive to complete the job on July 29 as arranged, the victim was told Guzzardi was in hospital. The victim continued to make transfers to Guzzardi, including in response to request for accommodation money. No work was ever done, nor was the money refunded.

Another Wagga-based victim also lost $3380 in a saga that included follow-ups to quotes, deposits, claims of bank account hacking and rescheduled but never fulfilled start dates, the court heard.

In another matter, a victim from Cobram was left $17,500 out of pocket.

Guzzardi had given that victim a quote of $35,000 for a concreting job on September 14 last year, and asked for a 50 per cent deposit. The victim talked him down to 10 per cent, but on September 30 Guzzardi allegedly said he needed more money for materials. The victim transferred amounts of $3500, $1150, and then $12,850 when Guzzardi said he needed the balance.

Guzzardi allegedly used various excuses for failing to turn up on agreed dates to do work, often claiming he had COVID or a broken leg and told victims, "no refunds".

At times he told them that his bank account had been frozen due to a divorce, and they needed to pay into another account.

Magistrate Peter Mithen denied bail for Guzzardi, saying the allegations were serious and his release presented an unacceptable risk. The matter returns in May.

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