From 'Gordon Gekko' to a caravan park: The devastating fall of Miss Universe Australia's property tycoon dad - who now owes $61million and is charged with fraud

By WAYNE FLOWER, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:38, 15 June 2026 | Updated: 12:38, 15 June 2026 The once-rich father of former Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson now cannot even afford a lawyer to defend fraud allegations, a court has been told. Former property developer Anton Wilson fronted the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday where he is charged with signing a false declaration and fraud. The self-proclaimed 'Gordon Gekko' developer was disqualified from managing corporations by ASIC in March 2022 due to his involvement in failed companies. Wilson appeared without legal representation, telling the magistrate he had been unable to secure a lawyer, even through Victorian Legal Aid.  The court heard the matter had already been delayed significantly, and the magistrate told Wilson to find legal representation as a matter of urgency.  Once among Melbourne's wealthiest property developers, Wilson now collects a carer's pension. Wilson has been banned by ASIC from managing corporations until 2027, with his failed companies owing creditors more than $45 million when the ban was imposed.  His ex-wife, Melinda Jane Wilson, was also disqualified from managing corporations for five years in March 2022, after running up debts of $39 million.  Anton Wilson (pictured) modelled his image on Gordon Gekko. While he is older and greyer today, he maintains the 'Gekko' style  Wilson's model daughter, Moraya Wilson, faced scrutiny of her own finances after being named Miss Universe Australia  Wilson was declared bankrupt in 2017 with debts of $61 million.  The failed businessman styled himself on fictional Wall Street character Gordon Gekko, with slicked-back hair, tailored suits and the 'greed is good' mantra.  He named two of his companies, which later collapsed, after stocks that the Michael Douglas character manipulated in the iconic 1987 film. His last known address was a caravan park in Geelong.  As prosecutors work to resolve the matter, the magistrate declared he would move the proceedings over to the court's Intensive Case Management List, where it is expected to be swiftly dealt with.  Wilson's model daughter, Moraya Wilson, faced scrutiny of her own finances after being named Miss Universe Australia.  There were calls for her to be stripped of her title after it was revealed she had been the sole director of 10 deregistered companies across property development, construction and hospitality.  One of the companies Moraya Wilson was director of owed $13,204 to the Australian Taxation Office at the time. Former Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson (centre) in 2023  A Change.org petition later called for her to step down as Australia's top model.  'Miss Universe is an international competition that empowers women and promotes diverse representations of beauty across the globe. This beauty goes beyond appearance and includes character and personality,' the petition said.  Her Instagram account suggests she continues to work internationally as a model.  She denied any knowledge or involvement in the businesses, telling news.com.au she had 'tendered my resignation from all of the companies'.  Daily Mail is not suggesting Ms Wilson has done anything wrong.    Her father previously denied any role in the companies registered in his eldest daughter's name.  'Not mine, s*** no. I can't control a company if I'm bankrupt. I've got about 18 months to go, so I can't control any companies,' he told Nine at the time. Wilson suggested his daughter would be the best person to contact regarding the ten companies in her own name. 'Mate, f***ed if I know. Give her a ring. You need to do some more homework bud,' he said. 'She might just tell you to get f***ed. That's what these young kids say today.' The Daily Mail sought comment from the Australian Financial Security Authority, but it declined to comment.  Wilsonwill return to court in August.   Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.