EXCLUSIVE
A hard-working family from country Victoria dreamed of winning something simple, like a new car, when they joined a subscription service run by Adrian ‘Mr Lambo’ Portelli.
When the call came in that they had won – and could choose between $3 million in cash or a $4.2 million house – Kevin and Andrea Griffin rightly thought someone had the mickey.
They chose the charming Victorian-style home, which stood majestically atop expansive green hills just outside Gisborne, north of Melbourne’s CBD, with stunning views of the Macedon Ranges.
Andrea and Kevin Griffin couldn’t believe their luck when they won a dream home. They remain confused as to why Adrian Portelli felt the need to remove and then raffle items they thought were theirs
The couple had joined Portelli’s LMCT Plus just over 18 months earlier in hopes of receiving one of the many “giveaways” the subscription company offers.
Subscribers take part in exclusive competitions, with prizes for houses, bicycles, cars and boats, among other things, and they also receive offers from car companies.
For example, a HSV GTS coupe is up for grabs via single tickets or a $19.99 monthly subscription.
The Griffins, previously from Ballarat, had recently been forced to close down their family plastering business, reducing them to one income.
They had only 24 hours to make the decision that would change their lives either way.
The Griffins had never seen an episode of the reality TV show The Block.
They had also never entered the competition specifically to win it; their participation was included in the subscription.
What they knew about the prize came from promotional videos of the competition that they watched on the hectic day when they had to decide whether to take the house or the money.
The video, presented by News Corp Australia’s property news editor Elizabeth Tilley, outlined everything that came with the property.
The video explained that the house had been renovated by ‘Ankur and Sharon’ for Channel Nine’s The Block.
Adrian Portelli with the McLaren supercar he lifted into a skyscraper in Melbourne
But what should have been a side note to the presentation has now turned into an ugly row that looks set to end in a Melbourne court.
“It includes $170,000 worth of Smeg appliances,” Ms. Tilley explained in the video.
As the segment continued, the journalist described the home’s furnishings, caressing a velvet chair and mentioning the “antique furniture.”
“This beautiful, move-in ready home could be yours – furnishings all included – plus $50,000 worth of wine, for just $20 a ticket,” Ms Tilley said.
In another video, Ms. Tilley filmed one of the wine refrigerators with the wine inside.
Before the keys were handed over to the Griffins in March, more than $100,000 worth of Smeg appliances and wine had been removed from the property.
Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Ms Tilley willingly participated in false advertising.
Although the disappearance of the items intrigued the family, it was CCTV footage of Portelli, his family and friends removing the items that concerned the couple.
The Griffins’ dream home in Gisborne
Luxury items are carried out of the Griffins’ home on March 10, the day the property passed into their hands
Portelli helps remove a smoker from Griffin’s house
Wine was captured on CCTV being removed from the house
In recent weeks, the removal of these items has become a public feud between Portelli and the Griffins.
Ms Griffin told Daily Mail Australia that all publicity for the giveaway stated that everything was included, including $170,000 worth of Smeg appliances and $50,000 worth of wine.
Although grateful for the dream home they won, the family was disappointed that the items had been removed while they were under the impression that Portelli’s crew was “cleaning” the house in anticipation of their arrival.
‘We are anything but ungrateful and we have always said so. We even stop at the gate now, look up and say, “Wow, that’s our house.” For example, we own that house. We are so grateful that the dice rolled our way,” Ms. Griffin said.
The family has big plans for the property and will hold their daughter’s wedding there in the coming months.
Mr Portelli is said to have told the Griffins that he would sort out the missing items the day they were granted access.
“I don’t know, but I’ll find out and let you know,” he allegedly told them.
The Griffins were shocked to see that Portelli was among the men picking up and taking away $100,000 worth of items, which he would later give away in another raffle.
‘That’s the only purpose they came here for. Other than that, they didn’t do anything,” Mr. Griffin said.
“They said that under the terms and conditions (Portelli) had the right to take whatever he wanted from the house. We kept asking for these conditions but they never came,” Ms. Griffin said.
“The only terms we have seen or are available are for another draw, not for The Block House.”
The Griffins describe the property as a dream come true, but the experience has been soured by allegedly questionable behavior
A soundbar was seen being removed from the Griffin lounge
Daily Mail Australia has repeatedly asked Portelli for a copy of the terms and conditions he said applied to the Griffin giveaway, but he has refused to provide them.
The Griffins claim that the prize they won never came with any strings attached.
The competitions page has now disappeared from the LMCT Plus website, with all current competitions now clearly accompanied by written terms and conditions.
Portelli claims he was entitled to everything he took from the property, despite announcing that the raffle would be accompanied by the items he helped remove.
‘The terms and conditions for each competition held on our client’s website are clearly displayed to all participants, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding of the rules and expectations involved. Furniture is clearly not included,” Portelli told Daily Mail Australia in a statement.
The 34-year-old has gone out of his way to dispel any notion that he isn’t completely above board since it was revealed in May that he was facing criminal charges over allegations that he is a hoon.
Adrian Portelli became known as ‘Mr Lambo’ after entering the Block auction in a sports car. He was in court (pictured) in October to face charges
Earlier this month he told reporters outside the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court that he would rather spend tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees than pay the fine.
‘I have instructed the legal team not to accept any deals, and they are relatively minor charges… there is no point in fighting them, but fortunately I am fortunate enough to be in a position to fight them because of the… principle .’
Portelli has also come under increased scrutiny over the operation of his LMCT Plus business.
Just days after it appeared in court, it was revealed that LMCT Plus was under investigation in two states over allegations that it is violating gambling laws.
Portelli welcomed the research.
“I pay six figures in taxes every week; I like to pay my taxes. You can’t be so public and not have everything in order,” he said.
“I welcome everyone to come here and ask questions, take it apart and set it up.”
The Herald Sun reported that the company was operating legally through a loophole, with Portelli previously describing the structure as a ‘trade promotion’.
He won’t say how many people have signed up to be members of his buyers club, but says it’s not a lottery.
“It’s different, it’s a trade promotion. Maccas do the same with their Monopoly game and Woolies do it with Ooshies; it is to drive customers into the store,” he said.
Portelli’s response to Daily Mail Australia this week was attached to a legal letter suggesting he was prepared to defend his reputation at all costs.