Lawyer Samuel Monkivitch accused of stealing $300,000 inheritance from 21-year-old Charlie Nemet
Consensus Summary
Two articles from THEAGE and SMH detail how Australian lawyer Samuel Monkivitch allegedly stole approximately $300,000 from the inheritance of 21-year-old Charlie Nemet and her sister Ruby, leaving only 20 cents in their account. Monkivitch, who managed the $372,507.37 estate left by their late father George Nemet, transferred the funds over 149 transactions between February 2025 and February 2026, claiming the money was used for legal fees and investments. His downfall began on March 23 when he fled a Hong Kong restaurant without paying, sparking public outrage and exposing his financial misconduct. Monkivitch was a practising lawyer until June 30, when his registration lapsed, and he faces three complaints from the Nemets and others to the Victorian Legal Services Board. Despite sending a report on July 3 claiming the inheritance was invested and worth $US165,000 in a Hong Kong HSBC account, he has not provided proof of the funds’ location. The Nemets, who were already vulnerable after losing their parents within months in 2023, allege Monkivitch exploited their trust and financial dependence, while he denies wrongdoing, calling the allegations a character assassination.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- On March 23, Samuel Monkivitch dined and dashed at Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant in Hong Kong, fleeing without paying for a meal of soya sauce prawns, a whole fish, white rice, and a beer, which was filmed and went viral on social media.
- Monkivitch transferred about $300,000 over 149 transactions from the Nemet sisters’ inheritance account into his personal account between February 2025 and February 2026.
- The inheritance amount entrusted to Monkivitch was $372,507.37, left by George Nemet, a bricklayer, to his 21-year-old daughter Charlie and her sister Ruby.
- Monkivitch was a practising lawyer until June 30, after which his registration was not renewed, and he no longer holds a practising certificate.
- On April 24, Monkivitch dined and dashed at Canteen in Hong Kong, ordering barramundi and two beers, then fled without paying a $HK284 bill.
- Charlie Nemet sent Monkivitch an email on April 23 requesting a full accounting of fees and the return of inheritance funds for Ruby’s birthday and a car purchase.
- Monkivitch sent the Nemet sisters a written report on July 3 claiming the inheritance was invested and worth $US165,000 ($237,627), with funds in a Hong Kong HSBC account, but provided no proof.
- Monkivitch’s conduct is the subject of three complaints to the Victorian Legal Services Board, including one from the Nemet sisters.
Source Articles
He dined and dashed in Hong Kong. Now a $300,000 inheritance is missing
Australian lawyer Samuel Monkivitch’s restaurant runners pale against allegations of manipulation and misappropriation in his home town of Melbourne.
He dined and dashed in Hong Kong. Now a $300,000 inheritance is missing
Australian lawyer Samuel Monkivitch’s restaurant runners pale against allegations of manipulation and misappropriation in his home town of Melbourne.