Arthur Tzaneros, the chief executive of ACFS Port Logistics, resigned from the shipping company on Monday after sending private WhatsApp messages that appeared to downplay an ongoing rape investigation. The messages were sent Friday in a group chat for alumni of Scots College, an elite all-boys school in Sydney, Australia.
The investigation involves three teenage students accused of attacking a 14-year-old girl in a Bondi alleyway on July 22. The teenagers were arrested on August 13 and face charges including aggravated sexual assault. Three students from the elite all-boys school in Sydney's east are accused of attacking a 14-year-old girl in a Bondi alleyway on July 22. The teenagers were arrested on Thursday, August 13, and were granted conditional bail to return to children's court on August 25. Two boys, aged 13 and 14, were each charged with aggravated sexual assault in company and two counts of aggravated sexual touching of another person. A third boy, aged 14, was charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count of aggravated sexual touching of another person.
In the WhatsApp group, Tzaneros reportedly commented, "Before anyone jumps to conclusions, this is no Skaf case," referencing a notorious pair of serial rapists. He also allegedly suggested the victim was a "willing participant" and referred to the accused as "deads***s."
Tzaneros issued a statement to business partners on Monday apologizing for his remarks. "I deeply regret what I said, and for showing a complete lack of sensitivity to that situation," he stated. "There is no excuse. I hope that by stepping aside, I am removing this behaviour from consideration of ACFS's day-to-day operations."
His father, Terry Tzaneros, will assume his CEO position. Arthur Tzaneros co-founded ACFS Port Logistics with his father in December 2005. The company entered voluntary administration and receivership on August 6, owing an estimated $60 million to the Australian Taxation Office. Receivers are expected to attempt to sell the company and its assets to address the debt.
In a separate development related to the school, Principal Dr. Ian Lambert informed parents via email on Sunday that several boys were arrested for allegedly threatening students accused in the rape scandal. Five boys, aged between 13 and 17, were taken into custody after allegedly throwing eggs at a home. One of the boys, a 17-year-old, was charged with breach of bail and custody of a knife in public. The investigation into the alleged assault is ongoing.