A POLICE officer accused of trafficking drugs has never been employed by Sexpo Pty Ltd.

Senior Constable Paul Anthony Hatzakortzian was among seven people arrested following a series of drug searches in metropolitan Melbourne today.

Sexpo Organiser, David Ross says “We regularly call for volunteers to work at our events via our Web Site.  Mr. Hatzakortzian has volunteered his services on several occasions.  His duties have involved assisting back-stage.”

“We routinely have 30 or more volunteers working at each event.”

“Mr. Hatzakortzian is not, and never has been, a Promoter of our event!”

“We have no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding his arrest.”

We consider the contents of the article by Mariza O'Keefe posted at www.news.com.au (and elsewhere) to be defamatory and is not based on any known facts.

For further information, contact:
David Ross
0419 266 987
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

By Mariza O'Keefe
October 06, 2006 06:36pm
Article from: AAP

A POLICE officer trafficked drugs while moonlighting as a promoter for Sexpo, a court was told today.
Senior Constable Paul Anthony Hatzakortzian was among seven people arrested following a series of drug searches in metropolitan Melbourne today.

The 36-year-old appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court this afternoon and facing 80 charges of drug trafficking and conspiracy to traffic drugs between August 17 and October 1.

Detective Senior Sergeant George Tapai told the court Sen constable Hatzakortzian, who worked in the sexual offence and child abuse unit, took leave from this job to work at Sexpo throughout Australia.

He alleged the police officer trafficked drugs to friends and associates he knew at these events – which is promoted as an adult lifestyle exhibition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai said four other people charged today allegedly supplied drugs to Sen constable Hatzakortzian.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai alleged he trafficked drugs including ice, cannabis, ecstasy and speed to associates.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai said police launched an investigation after allegations were made against Sen constable Hatzakortzian.
The investigation involved police intercepting Sen constable Hatzakortzian's phone and an undercover police officer allegedly purchasing drugs from him, Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai told the court.

Sen constable Hatzakortzian's lawyer, Tony Hargraves, said his client would not apply for bail today and asked that he be placed in special custody.

Magistrate Phillip Goldberg remanded him in custody to appear before the court in January.