Fake Surveyor Fined $60K in Historic VBA Investigation

Nine sites, thousands in illegal permits

A man from Maidstone has been found guilty and fined $60,000 for impersonating a registered building surveyor, marking the conclusion of an intricate investigation by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

Khanh Ho, 49, was convicted in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after admitting to 16 offences committed between 2019 and 2021 across nine building sites in Melbourne’s north-west and at South Melbourne Market. He was also mandated to pay $20,000 in costs.

The court was informed that Ho had issued counterfeit building and occupancy permits, forged documents, and accepted payments from clients under the false pretense of being a registered building surveyor and inspector. He accrued approximately $30,000 while unlawfully operating on sites in Footscray, Altona North, Newport, St Albans, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Thornbury, and South Melbourne.

Previously, Ho was a registered building surveyor, but his registration was revoked in 2010 after an investigation into severe financial misconduct.

In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Meghan Hoare condemned Ho’s actions as a blatant violation and a direct threat to public safety and trust in the building regulatory system. She stated, ‘Ho’s actions were a ‘grave concern’ and a ‘flagrant attack’ on building regulation’s fundamental objective to protect the community.’ She further added that ‘Purchasers and occupiers of buildings must be able to have trust and confidence in the regulation system.’

Anna Cronin, the Victorian Building Authority Commissioner and CEO, emphasized the significance of hiring only registered professionals. She said, ‘This conviction and fine sends a strong message to unregistered practitioners – we’re coming after you.’ She further added that such conduct erodes faith in the building industry and those guilty of it should anticipate severe consequences. She advised consumers to verify the registration of the building surveyors and builders they employ – this can be checked on the VBA website via ‘Find a practitioner.’

Building surveyors are essential in ensuring the safety and compliance of construction work. They issue building permits, perform mandatory inspections, and have the power to intervene when work does not meet standards.

The VBA continues to scrutinize reports of unregistered practitioners and encourages anyone with concerns to file a complaint or tip-off.