An accountant accused of defrauding his clients of millions to fund his gambling addiction was filmed singing a song with Sportsbet CEO Barni Evans at a nightclub.
Ben Carter, 36, is accused of defrauding his eight clients out of $26 million through his accounting firm Carters Tax Advisory.
He has been charged with unfairly obtaining financial advantage through deception, knowingly handling the proceeds of crime and possession of a few grams of cocaine.
The high-profile accountant, who is behind bars on remand, has blamed his relationship with Sportsbet in his defence.
He claims that the gambling giant knew about his self-proclaimed gambling addiction and courted him to spend tens of millions through the company.
Accountant Ben Carter (pictured left), 36, is seen at a party with Sportsbet CEO Barni Evans (right) in August last year.
It comes as footage surfaced of Carter briefly patting the back with Sportsbet CEO Barni Evans at a nightclub in Darwin in August 2022.
The betting company had flown Carter to the Top End for the 2022 Darwin Cup, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Carter and Mr. Evans are seen with their arms around each other dancing and singing to Daft Punk’s hit “One More Time” in the video.
The pair sang along to a song for a few seconds with a source close to Sportsbet, who wished to remain anonymous and said the interaction was brief.
“This was a very short interaction, similar to hundreds of others during the week,” the source said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sportsbet and Mr Evans for comment.
Court documents show that the Carter placed $70 million in bets between August 2021 and January 2023.
It is also alleged that he sent Sportsbet almost $4.5 million between April 2021 and October 2021 through 2440 deposits.
Carter says in his defense that he got into financial trouble because he lost tens of millions on bets through the gambling company.
He points to evidence that Sportsbet conducted at least two reviews of its finances in October 2021 and June 2022.
This involved reviews of his bank statements, pay slips and property deeds, according to court documents.
Carter claims that these reviews showed that he did not have the money to continue funding his addiction through Sportsbet.
He claims that despite his financial problems, Sportsbet dealt with him through perks and incentives such as free flights across Australia, free accommodation, NRL Grand Final tickets and Melbourne Cup tickets.
Carter (pictured left with partner Amy Steele, 25) has been charged with defrauding his clients of $26 million and is being held in custody. Steele has also been charged with reckless handling of the proceeds of crime
Carter was arrested last month by the NSW Police anti-bikie squad Raptor on charges of defrauding eight customers out of $26 million.
These clients included small business and brewery Drink West, owned by Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary and UFC fighters Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa and Tyson Pedro.
His attorney, Nick Hanna, claims the amount was only $6 million, not $26 million and that the rest of the money came from Sportsbet, who matched his bets or bonuses.
Carter’s defense team also told the court that his client was broke and was suing Sportsbet over the matter in a civil suit.
Sportsbet has denied the allegations and plans to defend itself.
Carter’s partner, Amy Steele, 25, has also been arrested and charged with reckless handling of the proceeds of crime.
Police allege she deliberately concealed Carter’s fraudulent activities. She was released on bail because she was pregnant at the time.
Carter will appear in court again in September. He is expected to apply for bail before the court date.