THE Nubeena shop owners at the centre of profiteering allegations have had their names cleared by Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading and the Australian Federal Police.
Everyday Nubeena shop owners Branko and Roza Alilovic had been the subject of a social media campaign accusing them of profiteering as bush fires raged around the southeast township last week.
The accusations prompted IGA to strip the store of its branding and issue a statement on its Facebook page saying the franchise was appalled by the accusations.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nick McKim issued a statement saying he would use the full force of the law to deal with anyone engaging in profiteering.
But yesterday the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Director Chris Batt said the accusations Mr Branko had sold donated goods and overcharged for items in the days following the fire were without substance.
"Mr Alilovic has co-operated fully with our investigation, initiating contact and meeting with us voluntarily to address the allegations made against him," Mr Batt said.
"It was obvious in these discussions that he is deeply troubled by the allegations and has suffered greatly as a result of them, including being harassed and berated by people within the community and on social media.
"I am pleased to find that there is no evidence to suggest any dishonesty or profiteering on the part of Mr Alilovic."
Despite a harrowing week of bushfires and false allegations, Mr and Mrs Alilovic were yesterday looking forward to the future.
"We are very happy to be cleared of all allegations from all of the authorities," Mr Alilovic said. "But I don't have negative thoughts at all. They were all just rumours that were unfounded."
He said it was difficult dealing with rumours on social media.
"People can say whatever they want and you can't control it," he said.
Adding to a very difficult week, Mr Alilovic required three stitches to his head after a man hit him with a motorcycle helmet.
But the couple said they were comfortable they would continue to have strong support in the community.
"We want to say thank you to the local community, our loyal customers and our loyal staff," Mrs Alilovic said.
The couple have called the peninsula home for 10 years after first moving to Australia from Croatia in 1969.
"All of the people who live on the peninsula are very beautiful people," Mrs Alilovic said.
matthew.smith@news.com.au
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