Corporate adviser Anthony Torre accused of using ‘fake’ Brigg Macadam credentials on LinkedIn

The western suburbs corporate adviser accused of ripping off almost $2 million from clients could be facing more legal action – this time for the alleged unauthorised use of a company name. The West Australian has learned British investment banking firm Brigg Macadam has sent father-of-three Anthony Torre a cease and desist letter demanding he stop using its name on his LinkedIn profile claiming it falsely suggested he worked for them. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Torre claims he is a corporate adviser at Brigg Macadam Australasia. Brigg Macadam Australasia is not part of Brigg Macadam. The British company has instructed one of Perth’s leading litigation firms, Bennett and Co, to act on its behalf after learning the 54-year-old had been charged with stealing and fraud offences. The West Australian has seen a copy of the letter in which Brigg Macadam not only demands Mr Torre stop using the name Brigg Macadam on his profile but to also de-register the name Brigg Macadam Australasia, claiming it had suffered and will continue to suffer reputational damage as a result by his conduct. If Mr Torre fails to stop using the name, the company says it may take legal action against him. It is also understood it is not the first time the firm has demanded he not use the Brigg Macadam name. Mr Torre appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday charged with five counts of stealing and eight counts of fraud. The allegations relate to the superannuation or trust accounts of his former clients from 2010 until 2015. The West Australian can also reveal the charges relate to when Mr Torre was working as an authorised representative for Millenium 3 Financial Services Pty Ltd. There is no suggestion the company was involved in the alleged criminal activity or were aware of it. The West has also learned that Mr Torre was declared bankrupt in August 2017. According to the Australian Financial Services Authority website, bankruptcy normally lasts for three years and one day from the date a person is declared bankrupt. During the hearing on Friday, the court was told Mr Torre, whose sister is married to Tyrone Mercanti, brother of notorious bikie Troy Mercanti, is accused of stealing a total of $277,000 from five clients between 2010 and 2015. He is also accused of obtaining through fraud a staggering $1,605,000 from eight clients between 2012 and 2014. The largest amount he is accused of defrauding from one of his clients is $500,000. Mr Torre is expected to appear in court again in September.