The owner of Prahran nightclub Revolver has initiated a civil claim against the venue's bookkeeper, Sutasinee McGuigan, alleging misappropriation of nearly $4.5 million from the Chapel Street establishment.
A civil claim has been initiated against Revolver's bookkeeper, alleging misappropriation of nearly $4.5 million from the venue.
Allegations of Fund Misappropriation
Court documents filed with the Supreme Court of Victoria in December allege that Ms. McGuigan siphoned approximately $4.5 million from two bank accounts associated with Revolver between August 2023 and 2025.
It is alleged that $1,166,012 was transferred to three bank accounts in Ms. McGuigan's name. An additional $2,936,098 was reportedly transferred to a joint bank account she held with her husband, Patrick McGuigan. Her daughter, Alexandra McGuigan, is accused of receiving $343,000 in misappropriated funds.
Patrick and Alexandra McGuigan are named as co-defendants in the writ, accused of receiving the funds and being aware of their alleged misappropriation.
Ms. McGuigan, known as "Pae" to colleagues, allegedly concealed 594 payments to herself or family members using fake transaction descriptions. These included false invoices from various entities such as international beer companies, plumbers, musicians, and audio equipment suppliers. One instance cited involves funds for a staff Christmas party being diverted to the couple's account.
Legal and Investigative Status
The writ further accuses Ms. McGuigan of breaching her fiduciary duty by making payments for personal gain, to the detriment of the plaintiff.
Ms. McGuigan has been employed by Revolver since 2010. A forensic accountant is currently reviewing the venue's financial records spanning the past 16 years.
The matter was reported to the Stonnington crime investigation unit in Malvern in late December. As of the report, no charges have been laid.
Lawyers representing Revolver owner Camillo Ippoliti and his company, Taniti Pty Ltd, have lodged caveats on several properties owned by the McGuigan family. These include apartments in Malvern and St Kilda, and a mansion in Warrandyte North, intended to prevent their disposal until the alleged debt is resolved.
Background
The McGuigans have not yet filed a defense. Sutasinee McGuigan did not respond to requests for comment.
Camillo Ippoliti, a prominent Melbourne hospitality figure who co-founded Revolver Upstairs in 1997, declined to comment on the matter. Revolver is known as Melbourne's longest-running nightclub and holds a rare 24-hour liquor license.