Village Roadshow has stood down executives in its theme parks business after identifying what it has described as the misuse of company funds and deliberate misreporting of transactions to hide these activities.

The entertainment giant, now owned by BGH Capital, is one of the country’s largest cinema operators and runs its biggest theme parks including Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild on the Gold Coast.

On Wednesday, Village Roadshow chief executive Clark Kirby told staff at least $1 million in inappropriate payments had been found “with the total amount likely to increase as the investigation continues”.

It is unclear which executives have been stood down. But Village Roadshow has brought in forensic accountants and lawyers to investigate, people briefed on those inquiries who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

Village Roadshow had launched its review after being told in February that executives had allowed some suppliers to charge the company more in exchange for benefits including cars and fuel cards, they added.

In his note to staff, Kirby said inquiries had “identified very concerning serious conduct involving misuse of company funds and resources by current and former senior executives for their personal benefit”, pointedly adding there had been “recent changes in the … leadership”.

“I was shocked to find this had occurred and grateful that it was brought to my, and the board’s attention,” Kirby said of the payments.

The Village Roadshow board has yet to decide whether to refer the matter to Queensland Police, but may do so once the investigation is complete.

https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/village-roadshow-accuses-executives-of-1m-dodgy-dealings-20260401-p5zkm8?utm_source=afr-web&utm_medium=share_article&utm_campaign=companies&utm_term=product_feature

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice?👀

It’s front page news in the GC Bulletin today.

A senior executive accused of embezzling more than $1m of funds from theme parks operator Village Roadshow had been with the company for 15-20 years, it can be revealed.

The man, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, was a widely respected executive and the allegations have rocked the Gold Coast company.

He has been contacted for comment. No charges have been laid.

It is understood the man is not the only former staffer under investigation by Village Roadshow, which suspects the amount could end up well above $1m and is yet to report the matter to police.

Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby, who is not accused of wrongdoing, told staff via email last week it was investigating “very concerning serious conduct involving misuse of company funds and resources”.

“To date, we have identified over $1m of inappropriate payments and associated benefits, with the total amount likely to increase as the investigation continues over the coming months,” the email said.

“While this behaviour is not representative of our business or our people, it is a clear reminder of the importance of speaking up if something doesn’t seem right.

“We appreciate this news may be difficult, but we are counting on the integrity and professionalism of our very passionate employees to see us through.”

Mr Kirby said VRTP had been supported by a confidential independent forensic investigation in identifying the alleged conduct.

Staff of Village Roadshow, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they were able to easily identify those under investigation from details in Mr Kirby’s email, which can’t be published for legal reasons.

In a statement late on Tuesday, Village Roadshow said authorities would be contacted, if necessary, after their internal investigation was complete.

“The investigation is being conducted in respect of transactions that were not authorised, involved inappropriate payments or involved the inappropriate use of company resources and funds,” the company said.

“The investigation is ongoing and, as such, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific matters at this time.

“At the conclusion of the investigation, the board will consider its obligations, including whether any matters should be referred to the relevant authorities.

“Our focus remains on supporting the business and ensuring it is managed responsibly and in the best interests of all stakeholders.”

News of the claims broke amid industry talk Village’s majority shareholder, private equity firm BGH Capital, had been unhappy with its lacklustre results over summer holidays, after competitor Dreamworld banked record visitation and revenue.

Village’s statement said BGH was informed of the alleged misuse of company funds at the same time as the company’s board.

“The Village Roadshow parent board (which includes representatives of BGH Capital) were notified of the allegations and took immediate action to initiate an investigation, including engaging advisors and forensic accountants,” the statement said.

It did not directly address questions about how BGH had responded or on what feedback it had from the 78 per cent owner on the financial performance of the business.

BGH Capital did not respond to requests for comment.

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/village-roadshow-probes-senior-executive-over-alleged-1m-embezzlement-claim/news-story/13ce1762d1f37058d393fba45b7ea020

Edited April 8Apr 8 by Brad2912

Group CFO Dean Humphries named and has had assets frozen. 2 other people allegedly involved have argued to have their names suppressed.

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/gold-coast/assets-of-exvillage-roadshow-executive-and-his-wife-frozen-in-embezzlement-probe/news-story/bd6f2d8696b5abf2db5aa80682847355?utm_source=GoldCoastBulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Editorial&utm_content=GCB_PREM_BREAKING_02&net_sub_id=285371427&type=curated_collection&position=1

For those who don't subscribe and can't be bothered trying to get around the paywall. Brad has most of the detail covered but there are a few extras in there, plus the usual regurgitation of previous article content to fill the void inside the journalist's head.

Assets of ex-Village Roadshow executive and his wife frozen in embezzlement probe

A former senior Village Roadshow executive accused of embezzling more than $1m from the theme parks operator has been unmasked in court, where a judge froze assets belonging to him and his wife.

Kathleen Skene

2 min read

June 11, 2026 - 2:15PM

National Business Network

Village Roadshow's former CFO Dean Humphreys.

Assets of a former senior executive accused of embezzling more than $1m from theme parks operator Village Roadshow have been frozen, with his wife also named on the freezing orders.

Lawyers for trusted former chief financial officer Dean Humphreys, 56, faced the Supreme Court of Brisbane on Thursday morning, where Justice Philip Morrison ordered he and wife Tracey not to remove or dispose of assets up to the value of $1.89m.

A second man and a woman are also subject to the orders, but successfully argued to have their identities suppressed.

Village Roadshow operates Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Top Golf, Australian Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country on the Gold Coast as well as its national cinema chains, marketing consultancy Opia and its film and TV production and distribution businesses.

The court heard Ms Humphrey, unlike her husband, was not accused of “deceit or dishonesty”.

No charges have been laid in relation to the allegations, which Justice Morrison described as “in an embryonic state”.

Mr Humphreys, a 15-year veteran of Village, started there as finance manager in 2011.

He was wiped from the company’s leadership web page at the same time Village told staff it was investigating allegations of “very concerning serious conduct involving misuse of company funds and resources”.

“To date, we have identified over $1m of inappropriate payments and associated benefits, with the total amount likely to increase as the investigation continues over the coming months,” an email to staff from CEO Clark Kirby said on April 1.

Former Village Roadshow CFO Dean Humphreys.

“While this behaviour is not representative of our business or our people, it is a clear reminder of the importance of speaking up if something doesn’t seem right.

“As some of you may be aware there has been some recent changes in the VRTP Finance leadership.

“We appreciate this news may be difficult, but we are counting on the integrity and professionalism of our very passionate employees to see us through.”

Mr Humphreys was – until April – president of the Coomera Colts Football Club and also held finance roles with Riviera Group, Virgin Australian and Jupiters Casino – now called The Star Gold Coast.

He ceased his directorship of the Seaworld Foundation on April 1, and his home was listed for sale a week later. This week it was still listed with a prize tag above $3m.

According to the court orders, the sale of a separate property owned by Mr Humphreys is due to settle on Friday, and the sale proceeds will be put into his lawyers’ trust account until the matter is finalised.

The court matter comes after Mr Kirby, whose late grandfather Roc Kirby founded Village Roadshow in 1954, was joined in his CEO position by Peter West, who was appointed by the group’s majority owner BGH Capital.

Warner Brothers Movie World is part of the Village Roadshow Theme Parks portfolio.

Robert Kirby, whose late father Roc Kirby founded the group in 1954, was replaced as executive chairman by Mr West, who joined the group’s majority owner BGH Capital as operating partner in May.

Mr Kirby will continue as co-chairman, while his son, Clark Kirby, is now a co-CEO, having also been joined by Mr West, a former Coca-Cola executive.

Both Kirbys remain directors of parent company VRG Holdco, along with representatives of BGH, and neither is accused of any wrongdoing.

Mr Kirby said VRTP had been supported by a confidential independent forensic investigation in identifying the alleged conduct.

More Coverage

Exec shake up at Village Roadshow amid $1m employee fraud scandal

Trusted Village exec in alleged $1m embezzlement claim

MW lost its mojo when it stopped asking, "What experience should we create?" and started asking, "Which DC character can we put on this?"

Village can hire all the corporate executives it likes, but nothing will really change until their mindset changes.

DW have recognised that. Rivertown was created as an experience first, and the positive reception it's received shows just how much guests value that approach.

Edited June 16Jun 16 by New display name

No arguments there. But how do you bring about mindset changes?

For the first time in the company's history, a Kirby (or Burke) family member isn't in the executive chairman position. And this same person is overseeing day-to-day operations of the theme parks, with a presumed mandate to clean things up. If that's not an opportunity for sweeping changes then I don't know what is. I'd always advocate for industry veteran appointments to positions like these, but at best Village have been treading water since covid (or since Rivals?), and any competent fresh blood at the top is welcome.

8 hours ago, Richard said:

I'd always advocate for industry veteran appointments to positions like these, but at best Village have been treading water since covid (or since Rivals?), and any competent fresh blood at the top is welcome.

Village actually thrived for a number of years after TRR and their parks were still pretty well run for the most part right up until around 2021 and the BGH takeover. That was the turning point when things suddenly went downhill fast and a lot of the big issues with Village today (at least the public facing ones) first emerged and became very prominent. The parks just haven’t been the same since. How much of this was actually caused by BGH directly is up for debate, but the sharp decline definitely took place around the exact same time as the acquisition. The only reason the parks (especially Movie World) are starting to improve again now is because attendance has declined significantly and WOZ underperformed, while Dreamworld has improved and taken a lot of their guests. I’m very pleased that Village finally has someone new at the top, but they’ll need to continue to improve the overall guest experience and retire the many poor practices the company has adopted and been running with over the past few years if they really want to turn the ship around and win back the public’s trust.

By all accounts BGH were essentially hands off for the first few years; their role was to support the existing team in exchange for a reasonable return on their investment. What little insight we get into their financials now suggests that return has failed to materialise. There hasn't been a noticeable lack of investment like say we saw with Dreamworld for many years, it's just been that so much of what Village have done has fallen flat. I'd say the recent management upheaval is the first clear indication that BGH aren't happy with how the company has been operated and are looking for change. And if these embezzlement allegations means greater scrutiny is given to all supplier relations then that can surely only be a good thing given how much Village outsources these days.

The long-term squandering of the post-TRR advantage is classic Village. See their film production business, stance on streaming and countless other businesses and opportunities that fizzled or simply never happened.

I’m not convinced a drop in profit compared to the pre-Rivals era tells a story of success. /BUT/ The maths isn't that simply to work out because Village was paying of a lot of debt after Rivals was installed @Noll_57 Before Rivals average $60M–$90M profit / after Rivals averaged $20M–$30M profit before covid and within the after Rivals timeframe Village also sold the land for $100m. The whole period is a bit murky so making direct comparisons is difficult.

16 hours ago, Richard said:

I'd always advocate for industry veteran appointments to positions like these

Each CEO Ardent appointed came from much the same mould, and the results reflected that. Instead of change, it was more of the same, and the park continued to drift backwards with each new appointment. Bringing in experienced industry veteran and freeing up capital at a time when DW was arguably on its last legs is a lesson Village can take without needing to repeat the same mistakes.

23 minutes ago, New display name said:

Bringing in experienced industry veteran and freeing up capital at a time when DW was arguably on its last legs is a lesson Village can take without needing to repeat the same mistakes.

But they probably still will (repeat the same mistakes).

I haven't had VRTP passes in a while. We decided to get them this year and see what had changed. We visited MW for the first time this week.

While we had some delights during our day that made us think there were improvements, we had a number of disappointments that left a sour taste in our mouths and we're already regretting the decision and contemplating when we'd budget for DW passes again. I have no evidence to back it up, but I feel almost certain if the same issue had occurred in DW, staff would have at least tried to make things right.

I also couldn't help but walk through the park seeing choices that seem like frustrating cost cutting that previously I would have written off as village not caring about the experience, but in hindsight I now think about executives stuffing their pockets and it just makes me angry.

Obviously we have no insight into the specifics of these embezzlement/kickback allegations, but there's definitely been big bucks spent on sub-par execution in recent years so it's hard not to make the connection even if it's completely baseless.

Got it. If your neighbour suddenly has a shade structure like this in their backyard, it would be hard not to be a little suspicious. 😄

NGL after seeing WOZ in person this week, that structure would have been mint!

A former Village Roadshow staffer allegedly stole and sold a truck used in the movie Aquaman, while he and a colleague colluded with a contractor to funnel company funds into private mansion renovations and traded thousands of Sea World tickets for personal luxury cars, according to blockbuster embezzlement accusations detailed in Supreme Court documents.

One of the former staff members hosted a lavish event at Sea World Resort, according to the court filing, giving away more than 50 nights’ accommodation as well as catering.

Village claims one of the workers told a colleague “we can do anything we like”, when working out how to cover up their alleged fraud.

Details of the $1m-plus embezzlement allegations by the theme parks and film studio operator against its former CFO and another ex staff member have been revealed in a statement of claim, obtained by News Corp Australia late on Thursday.

Village alleges a long-running fraud scheme worth upwards of $1m by the group’s trusted former chief financial officer Dean Humphreys, 56, and a second man, whose name has been suppressed by the court.

Hundreds of thousands in company funds were allegedly used by both men to renovate their private mansions and $337,000 in Sea World tickets were traded for luxury cars, according to the 104-page claim.

The company alleges the unnamed man stole 1983 Chevy Silverado truck used in the Aquaman movie and later sold it.

Village is seeking the return of a substantial redundancy payout received by the unnamed ex-staffer.

Mr Humphreys, who the claim said was on a salary of $432,600 plus super, had his assets frozen earlier this month, with his wife Tracey also named on the freezing orders.

Ms Humphreys is not accused of wrongdoing.

The second man and a woman are also subject to the orders, but successfully argued to have their identities suppressed and are identified on the redacted statement of claim as “ABC” and “DEF”.

Village Roadshow operates Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Top Golf, Australian Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country on the Gold Coast as well as its national cinema chains, marketing consultancy Opia and its film and TV production and distribution businesses.

The court heard Ms Humphrey, unlike her husband, was not accused of “deceit or dishonesty”.

No charges have been laid in relation to the court action, which Justice Morrison described during the initial hearing as “in an embryonic state”.

According to the claim, Mr Humphreys and the other man had building and plumbing companies complete work on their private homes and had invoices for the work made out to Village.

According to Village’s claim, the unnamed man took possession of a 1983 Chevrolet Silverado, used during filming of Aquaman on the Gold Coast, “without authorisation” in 2019.

He allegedly sold it for “at least $15,000” in November 2021 – but Village alleges it was insured for $44,000.

The unnamed former staffer allegedly hosted a lavish Sea World party, with resort catering and the equivalent of more than 50 nights’ accommodation being paid for by his employer.

The man also arranged for his guests to have breakfast and lunch at the resort – which was allegedly never reimbursed.

The claim said a $120,000 kitchen reno at the unnamed man’s home was ultimately paid for by Village, including an oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge and $15,845 set of bi-fold doors.

According to the claim, a former regular contractor to Village paid the supplier invoices and in turn claimed $133,000 from Village using “false invoices”.

The contractor allegedly received a $10,000 kickback from the scheme, which was “paid for directly by (the unnamed man)”.

Almost $300,000 of work was then completed on the second man’s outdoor entertainment area – with Village footing the bill for that too.

According to the claim, Village was invoiced and paid for more than $60,000 in work on Mr Humphreys’ home, including an outdoor entertainment area, bar and pool table.

According to the document, Mr Humphreys emailed another colleague telling them he’d had lunch with the builder who worked on the second man’s house and that he’d complained they were “owed a shit load for private work done for some senior execs (you know who)”.

He later emailed them saying Village would cover the payments and he’d “prefer this remaining confidential so thinking we could cover some of this ($140k) through P & L (profit and loss) over seven months and hide some of it (160k) through variations in capex (capital expenditure)”.

He then emailed again saying he could as the builder to invoice the work under a Sea World Admin fund to further cover his tracks.

In January this year, according to the claim, the builder sent Village an invoice for $359,831 that was marked “SeaWorld administration rectification works”.

The company alleges the invoice was actually for work done on the homes of the two former employees.

According to the claim, Mr Humphreys and the second man brokered a deal with unrelated tourism company Sea World Cruises to supply 3000 Sea World tickets, worth $337,00 over three years, in exchange for two new Audis, each worth more than $60,000.

Under the agreement, the cars were supposed to be “pool” vehicles for the use of Village staff, but were allegedly instead taken and exclusively used by Mr Humphreys, the second man and their families.

Under the same deal, Mr Humphreys subsequently obtained a Tesla Model Y, which Village claims was exclusively used by him and his family.

Ownership of one of the Audi was later transferred to the unnamed man, while the other Audi and the Tesla were transferred to Mr Humphreys and his wife, according to the court filing.

Village is seeking ownership of a BMW allegedly held by Humphreys, which was purchased for $75,536 with Village funds in 2023.

According to the claim, Village had unsuccessfully asked for the vehicle to be returned earlier this month.

Both Humphreys and the second man are also alleged to have retained ownership of vehicles purchased via novated leases by Village.

Company fuel cards are also alleged to have been misused by both men -who allegedly racked up more than $30,000 in charges for cars being used by family members.

Confidentiality orders made for the case, that restrict its public listing, mean it is not known if any of those defendants have filed a defence.

Village Roadshow has requested a four-day trial later this year.

https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/business/village-roadshow-exec-allegedly-took-aquaman-truck-traded-tickets-for-cars-in-alleged-fraud-scheme/news-story/619505afd0be4efda110b8d70c608d0f?fbclid=IwdGRjcASrBxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeNIM4KuWetYYo-bfyhtlLZLL9tFIidRE9MCvbm7ISJAIblT7d0sIM0BspmKU_aem_qBjI02CYc7l7YS65Pn35CA

Sounds about right

Jesus christ.

Holy shit

The extent and brazenness of all this is actually pretty incredible and to have it all on emails

If you look at home much was going out the band door its no wonder a bunch of new additions fell so short of the mark

Perhaps its time to lower the pitchforks directly at village and realise we were all duped by a couple bad actors

12 minutes ago, Gobbledok said:

Perhaps its time to lower the pitchforks directly at village and realise we were all duped by a couple bad actors

Yes. And No.

This organisation was previously an old boys club of family and "family" who were entrusted to operate the business. Executives had 'been with the company for years' and by the looks of things, were trusted to execute things on faith. No oversight. No audit trail. No external parties checking or verifying transactions and deals.

The perpetrators of the fraud are guilty, but it is the organisation's failure to ensure robust assurance processes were in place that allowed it to happen.

And although i've pointed the finger at the old boys club, BGH isn't innocent in this either. Prior to acquisition (or first thing once they took over) they should have brought in auditors to assess the current state.

4 hours ago, Gobbledok said:

Perhaps its time to lower the pitchforks directly at village and realise we were all duped by a couple bad actors

Not a chance. Those staff are gone, and a perfect example is that the remnants of the Super Villains Unleashed precinct are still open to guests.

Most theme parks would do one of three things:

• Introduce a new attraction relatively quickly.
• Retheme the area to better connect with neighbouring lands.
• Close the precinct until a replacement experience is ready.

None of that has happened.

Edited June 30Jun 30 by New display name

Yeah you are right I guess we should expect them to investigate the matter bring in new management reverse all the bad decisions plan a solution appoint funds and contractors and get a new better area within the whole few months this has happened in.

Totally unreasonable that hasnt happened yet

FFS

The funny thing is, they are already making decisions, and none of them seem to be in the guests favour. Stripping operating hours, and by the look of it, cancelling events.

I'm not sure you read my whole comment, because the third option I mentioned is something parks commonly do, close a precinct until a replacement experience is ready.

I don't expect a brand new area to appear overnight, and I wouldn't want one to. I'd rather they take their time and deliver something that's well planned, properly thought out, and worth the wait.

Closing an area that detracts from the overall quality of the park and leaves guests scratching their heads is a pretty easy decision to make while a proper long term solution is being developed.

Edited June 30Jun 30 by New display name

I don't say it often, but I agree with Skeet. They're tearing through their public offering and doing whatever they can to save a buck. Right now, this is worse than previously where we thought they just didn't care about the guest experience.