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-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from ZDNet Australia. --------------------------------------------------------------
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Fifty fired as Froggy gets fried By Jeanne-Vida Douglas, ZDNet Australia November 28, 2001 URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/business/soa/Fifty-fired-as-Froggy-gets-fried/0,139023166,120262114,00.htm
It would seem the dam has finally burst for Froggy ISP, as over half the staff at the company's Liverpool call centre allegedly had their employment terminated today. It appears that over 50 people from both the morning and afternoon shifts were handed their pink slips after an intensive advertising campaign failed to result in an increase in subscribers to the ISPs cut rate service according to unconfirmed reports provided by industry sources. Severe staff shortages in the wake of the cuts has left customers waiting 25 minutes for technical support, as the harangued skeleton-staff that remain are left to make excuses regarding the sudden absences. This is only the latest in a series of disasters for the Suleman empire which began to crumble on the 13th of November when ASIC froze the assets of Karl Suleman and his wife Vivian, after investigations suggested the couple were operating an unregistered investment scheme through Karl Suleman Enterprises. It is alleged that through the scheme the couple managed to obtain up to $60 million from as many as 900 Australian investors and the company was placed into voluntary administration. Initial reports from administrators Paul Weston and Neil Cussen of Horwath Accountants, seem to indicate that Suleman continued to enjoy considerable support from his extensive list of creditors. However, those relationships may be beginning to sour as a group of his creditors close ranks against him. Solicitor representing the group, Frank Hammond on Monday this week sought a court order to prevent his clients' cheques from being cashed, in an attempt to prevent more their money disappearing into the ever widening Suleman black hole. Representatives of the Assyrian community, from which the majority of Suleman's creditors came, informed ZDNet Australia that the maverick business man became the darling of the community through a series of philanthropic acts including providing funds for much needed medical services. -That is why they will always support him," said one member of Sydney's Assyrian community, who refused to be named. -He did a lot of good for a lot of people." Suleman also invested considerable funds into his a series of expensive hobbies, which saw him pick up a luxury cruiser, a Cessna Citation 500 S/P Executive Jet Aircraft and a Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II, and a collection of prestige cars. ASIC investigations also revealed that Karl Suleman Enterprises was being used as a conduit to move funds between investors and the Froggy group of companies, whose future now hangs in the balance. Today's sackings come despite repeated assurances from Froggy spokespeople that the ISP would not be affected by the turn in Suleman's fortunes. Despite having been contacted by ZDNet Australia for comment, the company has not released any statements regarding the apparent downsize.
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