PHOTO: Melbourne County Court
A Victorian auctioneer has been stripped of her REIV membership and her recent association accolade after pleading guilty to drug trafficking.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s president, Leah Calnan, has condemned the actions of the now-former member, who last week pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking cocaine.
Kristiana Karakostas faced the Melbourne County Court last week over the drug trafficking charges and will be sentenced later this month.
Ms Karakostas was awarded REIV’s 2019 Novice Auctioneer of the Year award, which has now been revoked alongside her institute membership in light of the guilty plea.
Calling the conduct unacceptable, Ms Calnan said the REIV takes pride in its members acting professionally, ethically and legally.
Each member undertakes to abide by our code of conduct, she stated, and so the REIV “acted swiftly” in terminating the membership.
“The REIV does not tolerate illegal or unethical behaviour; drugs create so much pain and suffering in our community,” the president said.
“The REIV holds its membership to high standards that make real estate a trusted profession.
“This is a sad story of a talented young woman who had a bright and promising career ahead of her.”
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