Zaki Ameer: Charged With Fraud

Introduction

Zaki Ameer, once celebrated as one of Australia’s most recognizable property investment experts, is now facing serious legal trouble. The 44-year-old founder of Dream Design Property (DDP), a firm that once claimed to help thousands achieve financial freedom, has been charged with fraud by NSW Fair Trading. The allegations mark a dramatic turn for a man who built a multimillion-dollar empire promoting himself as proof that anyone can go from broke migrant to millionaire investor through discipline, mentorship, and real estate.

Ameer’s story—his migration to Australia from Sri Lanka, his rapid success in property, and his high-profile persona on social media—has long captured public fascination. Yet, beneath the polished image of luxury cars, motivational quotes, and celebrity acquaintances, investigators allege a very different story: one involving deception, dishonesty, and fraudulent misrepresentation.

The Rise of a Property Guru

Zaki Ameer’s journey began when he moved to Australia at age 18 to study business. According to his own accounts, he arrived with little money but a great deal of ambition. After completing a Bachelor of Business, he claimed that a “chance meeting” with an investor changed his life. Inspired by the promise of passive income through real estate, he began building his own property portfolio.

Within a few short years, Ameer reportedly owned 10 properties worth over $3 million, a success story he used to brand himself as a “self-made property millionaire.” His personal transformation from broke student to real estate mogul became the foundation for a lucrative business model: mentoring others to replicate his strategy.

This led to the creation of Dream Design Property, also marketed as DDP Property or Dream Design Do, a company specializing in property acquisition, investment education, and wealth creation programs. Ameer quickly established himself as a motivational speaker, promoting his system at seminars and workshops across Australia.

DDP Property and the Business Model

Founded in the early 2010s, Dream Design Property promised to guide everyday Australians through the complex world of real estate investment. The company’s pitch was simple: with the right advice and mindset, even middle-income earners could build a multimillion-dollar property portfolio.

DDP’s website boasts of having helped more than 1,000 clients purchase over 1,300 properties, generating an annual turnover of nearly $14 million. Ameer was often seen presenting himself as a life coach and wealth mentor who not only delivered financial success but also personal transformation.

However, over the years, complaints began surfacing from former clients who claimed that DDP’s services didn’t match the promises. Some alleged that they were pressured into purchasing overpriced properties, while others claimed they were left with significant debt and underperforming investments. While none of these earlier complaints resulted in criminal charges, they cast shadows over Ameer’s business practices long before the current legal case emerged.

The Charge: Fraud by Deception

In June 2024, NSW Fair Trading charged Zaki Ameer with one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, an offence under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The charge followed an investigation into an incident involving financial documentation linked to a conciliation agreement.

According to a court attendance notice obtained by The Daily Telegraph, Ameer allegedly provided a falsified bank receipt to two individuals—identified as Richard Orchard and Arthur Brooks—indicating that a payment of $4,000 had been made from his company, Dream Design Do Australia Pty Ltd (DDDA). The payment was supposedly made as part of a settlement or conciliation agreement. However, investigators claim no such payment ever occurred.

The prosecution alleges that Ameer’s actions were intended to dishonestly obtain a financial advantage of $7,500, or part of that amount, for his company. The case is being prosecuted in the local courts, meaning that if convicted, Ameer could face up to two years in jail—the maximum penalty for fraud at that level of jurisdiction.

Ameer has pleaded not guilty, and his case is expected to proceed to a contested hearing later in 2024.

A Public Persona Built on Wealth and Prestige

For years, Zaki Ameer cultivated the image of a successful entrepreneur who had cracked the code to financial freedom. He was a regular feature in mainstream media, appearing in interviews with The Daily Telegraph, The Sydney Morning Herald, and even on the front page of The Australian Financial Review. His insights on property investment were frequently quoted in television and radio segments, positioning him as one of the country’s go-to experts on real estate wealth creation.

On social media, Ameer’s accounts were filled with images of luxury cars, private jets, designer suits, and high-end dinners. He was often seen attending glamorous events, rubbing shoulders with athletes, entertainers, and other high-profile figures. His narrative—immigrant success through property investing—resonated with many aspiring entrepreneurs and was used extensively in DDP’s marketing.

Yet, critics argue that the same image of effortless wealth may have also attracted regulatory attention. The combination of extravagant self-promotion and aggressive marketing in the property investment industry often triggers scrutiny from consumer protection agencies concerned about misleading claims.

The Investigation

NSW Fair Trading’s case reportedly emerged after complaints were filed against Ameer and his company. While the full details remain under court suppression, documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph suggest the dispute began over an unresolved payment issue involving a conciliation process—likely related to one of DDP’s business transactions.

During this process, Ameer allegedly presented a bank receipt as evidence that his company had fulfilled a payment obligation to the complainants. However, upon verification, investigators discovered that no transaction matching the receipt had occurred. The falsified documentation formed the basis of the fraud charge, with prosecutors arguing that Ameer acted “by deception” to gain financial advantage.

The investigation reportedly took months, involving forensic examination of company accounts and digital correspondence. The case file, according to insiders, includes electronic records, communications, and testimony from individuals involved in the alleged transaction.

Reactions from the Property Industry

The charge has sent ripples through Australia’s property investment community, where Ameer was once considered a pioneer in mentoring programs for novice investors. While some of his peers have distanced themselves from the controversy, others suggest that the case reflects deeper systemic issues within the unregulated segment of the wealth-coaching industry.

“There are hundreds of property coaches operating without proper oversight,” said a Sydney-based financial consultant who requested anonymity. “They market life-changing returns and exclusive insights, but there’s minimal accountability. When one of them gets caught in legal trouble, it exposes how fragile that entire ecosystem can be.”

A History of Controversy

This is not the first time DDP or Ameer has faced scrutiny. Over the years, several media outlets have reported customer dissatisfaction and disputes regarding DDP’s investment strategies. Some clients accused the company of overstating potential returns and downplaying the risks associated with their recommended properties.

In 2019, DDP faced criticism for allegedly encouraging clients to purchase multiple properties using high leverage. Industry watchdogs warned that such strategies, while profitable in a rising market, could leave investors vulnerable to bankruptcy during downturns.

Despite these controversies, Ameer maintained that his mission was to help Australians achieve financial independence. He repeatedly dismissed criticism as jealousy or misunderstanding of his business model. His official biography emphasized his philanthropic efforts, including donations to youth empowerment initiatives and mentoring programs for disadvantaged students.

A Legal Battle Ahead

The upcoming court proceedings will test both Ameer’s credibility and the integrity of his business operations. His defence team has signaled that it intends to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that the incident was a misunderstanding rather than a deliberate act of fraud.

Legal experts note that fraud by deception cases can be complex, particularly when they involve business transactions. Prosecutors must prove intent to deceive, not just administrative error. If convicted, Ameer could face imprisonment, restitution orders, or fines, and his professional reputation would likely suffer irreparable harm.

“This is not just about one fraudulent document,” said a legal analyst interviewed by News.com.au. “It’s about whether the court believes that there was a deliberate pattern of deception intended to gain financial benefit. The optics of luxury cars and motivational seminars will make this case particularly high-profile.”

The Broader Implications

Ameer’s legal troubles highlight the ongoing tension between entrepreneurship and regulation in the property coaching sector. While many investors rely on legitimate advisors, the lack of strict licensing requirements allows questionable operators to thrive. Financial experts have called for tighter oversight of property mentoring programs, suggesting that misleading marketing can lead to serious consumer harm.

The case also underscores how quickly reputation can shift in the digital era. Just a few years ago, Zaki Ameer was celebrated as a “property genius,” a self-made millionaire teaching others to “dream big.” Now, his name is synonymous with fraud allegations and legal proceedings.

Ameer’s Response

Through his lawyer, Ameer has denied all wrongdoing, insisting that the charge is based on a misunderstanding. He has continued to present himself publicly as a legitimate businessman, occasionally posting motivational messages to his followers on social media.

“Success attracts scrutiny,” one of his posts read earlier this year. “When you stand tall, some will try to cut you down—but the truth always wins.”

While he has not commented directly on the details of the case, those close to him say Ameer remains confident and intends to clear his name.

Public Reaction

Public opinion has been divided. Supporters argue that Ameer’s entrepreneurial spirit and immigrant success story are being unfairly targeted, while critics claim the charges reveal the darker side of self-styled financial “gurus.” Online forums discussing property investment have seen heated debates, with some former DDP clients sharing mixed experiences—ranging from success stories to claims of financial loss.

“I bought two properties through DDP years ago and did fine,” one client wrote on a real estate forum. “But I can see how people without experience might have felt misled by the marketing.”

Others were less forgiving. “He sold dreams and left people with debt,” another commenter said. “This was bound to happen sooner or later.”

Conclusion

The case of Zaki Ameer vs NSW Fair Trading is more than just a single fraud allegation—it’s a cautionary tale about the blurred lines between marketing, mentorship, and manipulation in the wealth creation industry. As the legal process unfolds, it will determine not only Ameer’s personal fate but also send a message to the broader ecosystem of property “coaches” who operate on the edge of regulation.

For now, Ameer’s empire of motivational slogans and investment seminars stands overshadowed by criminal charges that threaten to dismantle everything he built. Once a symbol of rags-to-riches success, Zaki Ameer now faces the challenge of proving that his story is one of ambition—not deception.

Written by

Nancy Drew

Updated

3 months ago