Mortgage Broker Accused of Rape and Assault Claims Death Threat
A prominent mortgage broker, Marwan Salim Aswar, who is currently facing charges of rape and assault, has made a shocking claim that his life was threatened in the middle of the night. Aswar, the owner and director of iLend Capital, stands accused of sexually assaulting a woman multiple times earlier this year in Sydney’s southwest.
According to court documents, the 32-year-old allegedly raped the woman on three separate occasions between 12:30 am and 2:30 am. The charges include three counts of sexual assault and two counts of aggravated sexual assault, with the woman claiming that Aswar sexually touched her without her consent.
Police were called to the scene at around 2:30 am, as Aswar reportedly became violent and resisted arrest, even assaulting a police officer. He was subsequently taken into custody and remained there until his release on strict conditional bail on June 28, granted by the Supreme Court.
Under these bail conditions, Aswar is required to report to the police seven days a week and can only leave his home when accompanied by his brother, lawyer, or personal assistant. However, he recently returned to court seeking a reduction in reporting days and the lifting of home detention-style conditions, in order to travel interstate for work.
Justice Helen Wilson expressed confusion over how the officer in charge had apparently consented to slight changes in bail conditions negotiated by the court. The officer, in fact, lacked the authority to do so, raising questions about the process.
Aswar’s lawyer, Dickran Yakenian, informed the court that his client had received significant threats and had been contacted in the middle of the night, ordering him to leave. Although the police were made aware of the threat and took immediate action, it has since been determined that there is no further danger to Aswar.
Yakenian argued for the bail conditions to be revised, allowing his client to conduct business interstate. He highlighted that Aswar has fully complied with all the existing conditions. However, the Crown prosecutor contended that Aswar could already conduct his business as his personal assistant could accompany him outside his home.
Justice Wilson acknowledged the seriousness of the charges against Aswar, with the accuser describing him as aggressive and violent during the alleged sexual encounters. She emphasized that it was fortunate for Aswar to have been granted bail in the first place, considering his extensive criminal history, which includes various serious offenses since 2008.
Given his previous breach of court orders, the judge expressed doubts about Aswar’s willingness to adhere to bail conditions, making it risky to grant him the ability to leave the state. The judge further noted that allowing him to travel would increase the likelihood of him attempting to flee.
Marwan Salim Aswar owns multiple businesses that generate an annual turnover of $900,000. The iLend Capital website describes the company as a leading loan provider specializing in mortgage financing.
The case against Aswar continues, with the court maintaining his current bail conditions for now. As the legal process unfolds, it remains essential to ensure that justice is served while respecting the rights and safety of all parties involved.
