Homes of Nicheliving directors Ronnie Michel-Elhaj and Paul Bitdorf were raided last week as part of an ongoing investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), with assistance from the Australian Federal Police. Laptops and phones were seized during the operation.
Nicheliving, a Perth-based builder, was banned from constructing houses for 10 years after hundreds of customers faced significant delays, with homes taking years longer than promised to complete. The ban allowed customers to access building indemnity insurance payments of up to $200,000 to finish their homes.
ASIC confirmed the raids but did not disclose what triggered the fresh probe, stating only that investigations are ongoing. The two directors have been contacted for comment.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook acknowledged the importance of the investigation, stating, 'It is important that everyone knows that we are focused on making sure that our residential housing construction industry is working in the interests of everyone, particularly in terms of the clients with whom they've struck contracts.'
Despite Nicheliving's ban, its directors now lead property development company Urban Infill Developments and real estate firm Australian Property Alliance.
