Dr Esra Ogru, a former chief executive officer of Phosphagenics Ltd, pleaded guilty today in the Melbourne Magistrates Court in relation to her role in the alleged theft of more than $6.1 million, following an ASIC investigation.

Dr Ogru, 39, of Wheelers Hill, Victoria, pleaded guilty to six charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception from Phosphagenics Ltd and its subsidiary, Vital Health Sciences Pty Ltd (VHS).

The charges relate to Dr Orgu's conduct from November 2004 to May 2013. ASIC alleges that Dr Ogru was involved in submitting the following for payment by Phosphagenics and VHS:

• false invoices for research and development expenses (four charges involving $5,600,842.70), and

• false claims for reimbursement of credit card expenses (two charges involving $545,889.36).

Dr Ogru was bailed to appear before the County Court on 29 August 2014.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background

ASIC alleges the former chief executive officer of Phosphagenics Ltd, Dr Esra Ogru, Dr Gianello and Dr Jiang, were involved in a long running deception involving the payment of false invoices submitted to Phosphagenics Ltd or VHS.

Drs Gianello and Jiang have each pleaded guilty to 3 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and have been bailed to appear before the County Court on 26 September 2014 (refer: 14-125MR).

Editor's note 1:

Dr Ogru appeared on 29 August 2014 and was bailed to appear again on 26 September 2014 for sentencing submissions.

Editor's note 2:

The sentencing hearing scheduled for 26 September 2014 has been postponed to 9 October 2014.

Editor's note 3:

This matter was mentioned on 5 November 2014. The sentence hearing will be heard on 7 November 2014.