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News
Wine expert accused of stealing AU$300k worth of wines
A wine expert who used to be a reviewer for wine critic James Halliday’s Halliday Wine Companion has been accused of stealing up to AU$300,000 (US$230,310) worth of wines while working as a specialist buyer for Australia’s wine importer/wholesaler Cellarhand.
Suspect Lak Quach is accused of stealing AU$300,000 worth of wines from Cellarhand (Source: The Age/ Dominic O’Brien)
The suspect named Lak Quach allegedly stole the wines and sold them online or offloaded them for cheaper prices to a dozen of Melbourne’s most exclusive restaurants and retailers, reported Australian Newspaper The Age, quoting several hospitality sources who declined to be named.
He then used the proceeds to buy wine collectibles for himself.
It’s not known if the restaurants in question were aware if the wines purchased from Quach were stolen, the report said.
Quach is under investigation by its current employer, the Richmond-based Cellarhand, but it is not known if Victoria Police are involved in the case yet.
A seasoned taster and sommelier, Quach used to contribute to the renowned Halliday Wine Companion.
Quach joined Cellarhand in 2011.