Australian developer arrested in Bali

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An Australian property developer has been arrested in Bali over allegations he defrauded a couple of more than half a million dollars during the sale of a ‘luxury’ villa.

Eric Bevan Gillet was arrested at his Xanadu Lifestyle Resort in the popular beachside town of Seminyak this week, more than two years after the couple claim he ripped them off in a property deal gone sour.

The couple, Ketut Semadi and Tommy Comeford, say they met with Gillet in October 2013 after seeing the 55-year-old’s plan for a group of villas he was selling online.

He showed them the plan of the proposed multi-million dollar complex, which included nine buildings on site.

Bali Provincial Police spokeswoman Sri Harmiti said the pair bought a villa off the plan and transferred over 6.7 billion rupiah (almost $A690,000) into Gillet’s account.

‘After the payment, Ketut and Tommy met with the suspect to ask for copy of the land certificate and license for development,’ the polices spokeswoman said.

But allegedly Gillet couldn’t show them.

The couple demanded their money back but police say Gillet has so far not returned it, prompting the couple to report him in December 2014.

Police say they plan to hand the Western Australian’s case over to prosecutors by February 17.