‘Corporate bullying’: Melbourne brothel sues bank for discrimination

Franco Puleo, owner of Melbourne's Gotham City brothel, sued Bendigo Bank this week for discrimination after it closed six of his accounts, claiming the sex industry fell outside its risk appetite. Puleo says the bank violated Victoria's Equal Opportunity Act. Bendigo argues the closures protected its anti-money laundering obligations, designating brothels as high-risk customers under AUSTRAC guidelines.

Summary by Glance · Brisbane Times