A prominent Gold Coast businessman and charity founder is set to appear in court facing dozens of serious charges after multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual assault.
Businessman Faces Multiple Serious Charges
Yas Matbouly, a 50-year-old Mermaid Beach resident, will face Southport Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with 51 separate offences. The charges follow an extensive investigation by Gold Coast detectives into multiple alleged sexual assaults that reportedly occurred over several months.
Allegations Span Several Months
Queensland Police allege that between April 2025 and November 2025, the charity founder committed offences against three women, all in their 20s, who were known to him personally. The investigation has led to serious charges being laid against the prominent community figure.
As part of their investigation, police executed a search warrant at Matbouly's business premises on Seaview Avenue in Mermaid Beach. During this operation, officers seized several items that are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Breakdown of Serious Charges
The 51 charges against Matbouly include a significant number of serious offences. Specifically, he faces 34 counts of sexual assault, 14 counts of rape, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, and one count of attempted rape. Given the severity of these allegations, police refused bail, requiring Matbouly to remain in custody until his court appearance.
Charity Operations Continue Amid Investigation
The police investigation has created uncertainty for thousands of Queenslanders who rely on Matbouly's charity, Serving Our People, for weekly food relief. Despite the disruption at the business headquarters, volunteers have continued their essential work, packing boxes of bread and meals for distribution to those in need throughout the community.
Charity's Pandemic Origins and Growth
Matbouly founded Serving Our People at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to growing community needs during that challenging period. The charity not only survived the pandemic but continued to expand through the subsequent cost-of-living crisis, creating Queensland's first free supermarket and eventually opening two additional outlets.
With a network of approximately 2500 dedicated volunteers, the organisation feeds thousands of people every week across Queensland. Just one week before Christmas, Matbouly himself commented on the growing need, stating, "We're definitely seeing a rise in people doing it tough ... and it hasn't stopped."
Leadership Changes Prior to Charges
Interestingly, Matbouly had stepped down from his role as chief executive of Serving Our People last year to focus on private interests. This leadership change occurred before the current allegations came to light and the subsequent police investigation began.
Community Impact and Police Appeal
The case has sent shockwaves through the Gold Coast community, where Matbouly was previously regarded as a prominent businessman and charitable leader. Authorities are now urging anyone with additional information about the allegations to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
The situation presents a complex challenge for the charity sector, balancing the serious nature of the allegations against the founder with the continuing essential work of the organisation that supports vulnerable community members.
