Ben Butler

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Ben Butler

Authorities have abandoned the prosecution of the man accused of the murder of Melbourne gangland lawyer Joseph “Pino” Acquaro. A spokesperson for the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) said a notice discontinuing the murder charge against tradesman Vincenzo Crupi was filed with the state’s Supreme Court on Friday morning. The OPP did not provide reasons for the decision, but said it followed a review by a committee headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Brendan Kissane.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Ben Butler |Jessica Longbottom

The Victorian Building Authority has issued a public warning against a builder based in Melbourne's outer suburbs. The regulator alleges Baba Building Group has engaged in "non-compliant and defective work". Baba Building Group has denied breaching permit conditions or safety requirements. Victoria's building regulator has warned consumers it is investigating a builder over allegations it has built potentially unsafe homes in Melbourne's outer suburbs.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jessica Longbottom |Ben Butler |Danielle Bonica

On the western outskirts of Melbourne, where the new estates meet open paddocks, it was clear something wasn't right at number 20, Eshal Crescent. There was a skip out the front overflowing with rubbish, the remnants scattered all over the front yard. Among soft drink bottles and unopened mail were bent spoons and a destroyed Nokia phone. A syringe lay in the gutter across the road. What remained of the front door hung open to the street.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jessica Longbottom |Ben Butler |Kate Ashton |Danielle Bonica

Large sums of taxpayer money meant for some of the most vulnerable Australians have been flowing through companies linked to a man named Khawaja Moeen Haroon. While his network has been under investigation for suspected fraud on the NDIS, some of those in his care have been left living in squalor. This is how he built his network, and the human cost to those caught in its web.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jade Toomey |Ben Butler

The owner of the embattled Genius childcare group has sold at least six centres to a company headed up by his former business partner. Genius has been in the spotlight for months after growing complaints about unpaid wages, landlord disputes, and child health and safety breaches. Steps Learning will take over six of the centres from early next week. Failed childcare boss Darren Misquitta has sold off a number of his Genius centres to a new company fronted by his former business partner.