Chris Marco Sentenced to 14 Years for $34M Fraud in WA

The Supreme Court of Western Australia has sentenced Chris Marco to 14 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 12 years, following his conviction for multiple fraud offenses. The Honorable Justice Whitby handed down the sentence today.

A jury found Mr Marco guilty on 4 September 2025 of 43 counts of fraud involving six investors and a total sum exceeding $34 million. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) alleged that between July 2013 and October 2018, Mr Marco obtained over $36.5 million from nine investors with the intent to defraud, using deceitful or fraudulent means.

Chris Marco Sentenced to 14 Years for $34M Fraud in WA

Originally charged in July 2022 with 50 counts of fraud under section 409(1)(a) of the Criminal Code (WA), Mr Marco faced trial on 43 counts listed on the indictment. The court acquitted his former executive assistant, Linda Marissen, of all charges.

The criminal proceedings follow earlier Federal Court actions taken by ASIC against Mr Marco and his company, AMS Holdings (WA) Pty Ltd. In December 2020, the Federal Court ordered the winding up of the unregistered managed investment scheme operated by Mr Marco and AMS Holdings. The court also permanently restrained Mr Marco from operating a financial services business without an Australian Financial Services License or running an unregistered managed investment scheme.

Also, Justice Whitby emphasized the seriousness of Mr Marco’s offenses, noting the significant financial loss and the breach of trust involved. The court backdated the sentence to 4 September 2025, the date the jury’s guilty verdict led to Mr Marco being remanded in custody.

Under the sentencing order, Mr Marco will serve a total of 14 years, becoming eligible for parole two years before completing his sentence. This means he may be for release after 12 years, not before 2037.

The case underscores ASIC’s ongoing focus on protecting investors from complex financial fraud and maintaining the integrity of Australia’s financial markets. The court’s decision serves as a reminder that large-scale fraud and breaches of financial regulations carry severe criminal consequences.

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