Bondi United and Bondi Project taken to court for allegedly making ‘false’ claims about links to Bondi victims

An online business has been taken to court after allegedly lying about giving proceeds to victims of the Bondi massacre last year.

The Sydney-based retailer sold clothing and accessories under Bondi United and Bondi Project, telling consumers the founders had a connection to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on December 14, that killed 15 people and injured many others.

The retailer, which was operated by director Marvaldeep Singh, also claimed the proceeds of sales would go to support the victims and families of the terror attack.

“NSW Fair Trading’s investigation has found these assertions to be false,” a statement from February read.

An investigation into the retailer was launched in February along with a public warning to consumers.

The Bondi United and Bondi Project websites and social media pages have since been taken down.

The matter is now being taken to court to seek a ruling that the Australian Consumer Law was breached, for financial penalties to be imposed, legal costs and any other orders the court considers to be appropriate.

Executive director consumer affairs Andrew Floro said Australian consumers “should be able to trust that representations made by traders are truthful and accurate”.

“These proceedings demonstrate NSW Fair Trading’s commitment to protecting consumers and taking action where traders are alleged to exploit community goodwill and public sympathy,” he said.

“We will continue to pursue enforcement action where we believe conduct has undermined consumer confidence and breached the Australian Consumer Law.”

If found guilty, the business could face financial penalties.

The case will go before the Supreme Court of NSW on August 17.

Anyone who has dealt with the business and isn’t satisfied with the interaction can lodge a complaint via the NSW Fair Trading website.