Charity Boss Charged in Sexual Assault Probe

Yas Daniel Matbouly, 50, the leader of the Gold Coast charity Serving Our People (SOP), has been charged with 51 offenses following an investigation into alleged sexual assaults. Police allege Matbouly committed 34 counts of sexual assault, 14 counts of rape, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, and one count of attempted rape against three women in their 20s. These alleged incidents occurred between April and November of last year.

Following a police raid on SOP's Mermaid Beach headquarters, Matbouly surrendered to authorities. He appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Saturday, where prosecutors argued against bail due to the seriousness of the charges and flight risk concerns. Despite this, Matbouly was granted bail. He is prohibited from international travel and must report to police twice weekly. He is also forbidden from contacting the alleged victims, who were known to him. The charity SOP, founded in 2020, has been described as Australia's fastest-growing charity and is supported by various politicians and public figures.