Ravi Sathiyavan, previously identified as one of Australia’s most unscrupulous bosses, has resurfaced nearly a decade later as a dubious car dealer. Known for his predatory behaviour towards young women, Sathiyavan has now turned his attention to selling faulty vehicles, exploiting vulnerable buyers including teenagers.
Brisbane resident Lachlan, a newly independent driver, saved diligently to purchase his first car, a black Mitsubishi Lancer advertised by Sathiyavan on Facebook Marketplace. Following the excitement of ownership, Lachlan’s joy was short-lived as the vehicle broke down on the very first day. He expressed dismay over the loss of hard-earned savings, stating, “Saved up heaps, worked three jobs… and then all of that’s gone now.” His father, Rob, lamented that they wish they had researched Sathiyavan beforehand to avoid dealing with him.
In 2015, Sathiyavan faced serious accusations from former employees who alleged that he had sexually harassed them. One young woman shared her experience of unwanted physical advances and propositions. Amid growing concerns over Sathiyavan’s character and ethics in both workplace and business practices, John Terry—a seasoned car dealer—recalled his negative interactions with Sathiyavan, citing instances of theft where cars he’d bought were later found being sold by Sathiyavan.
When confronted by A Current Affair, Sathiyavan displayed a hostile attitude, refusing to address the claims regarding Lachlan’s vehicle and dismissing accusations of wrongdoing. Terry revealed that many of his cars have resurfaced on Sathiyavan’s online listings, raising alarms over potential illegal activities. Police involvement has yet to yield compensation for victims.
The Office of Fair Trading Queensland is currently investigating complaints against Sathiyavan, noting that merely lodging a complaint does not automatically denote a breach of fair trading laws. They reassured consumers about the protections available when purchasing from licensed dealers, as opposed to private sales on social media platforms.
In a broader context, potential car buyers are advised to exercise caution when engaging with private sellers and to validate the legitimacy of their transactions through official channels. The warning is clear: while buying privately may sometimes seem enticing, it carries significant risks compared to purchasing from licensed dealerships that provide legal protections and consumer rights.
Overall, Sathiyavan’s re-emergence as a questionable seller exemplifies the ongoing challenges in consumer protection, particularly in the private vehicle market.