Defaulter moves to injunct Hall Chadwick, Blackbird

Efforts by Richard Albarran and Brent Kijurina to enforce a security have prompted the airing of allegations of unconscionable conduct and claims Albarran has an undisclosed financial interest in his appointor, Blackbird Mortgage Corporation.

The claims, which iNO does not suggest are true, were made in open court before Justice Michael Lee during the hearing this morning of an urgent injunction application brought by West Australian wine maker Paul Montague Williams.

Williams is seeking orders requiring Albarran and Kijurina, in their capacities as joint and several receivers and managers of Montague VY No 1 Pty Limited and U Minerals Pty Limited to relinquish control of assets they’ve seized after Williams purportedly defaulted on terms of a loan agreement he entered into with Blackbird in mid-2025.

Williams also wants orders removing Albarran and Kijurina and appointing Cor Cordis West Australia duo Jeremy Nipps and Tom Birch in their place, along with orders for damages in respect of losses involving a grape crop which allegedly spoiled and delays in selling a valuable gold royalty stream.

At the commencement of the hearing Justice Lee asked Williams lawyer Zack Mason of Adero Law for details.

Mason said his client’s case is that “Mr Albarran proposed that loan and that Mr Albarran has a pecuniary interest in Blackbird”.

Mason cited a PPSR registration indicating the Trustee for the Albarran Family Trust No. 2 has a general security interest over all of the assets of Blackbird Mortgage Corporation.

A search of the PPSR undertaken by iNO indicates that the Trustee for the Albarran Family Trust No.2 is one of two entities registered as a secured party of the Grantor, Blackbird Mortgage Corporation.

The other security holder is CPA Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd, an accounting firm run by Uruguayan-born and Hall Chadwick-linked Rubens Locaputo.

Also notable is the addressee for service. Long term Hall Chadwick ally and Etienne Lawyers principal Steven Brown.

While agreeing to the consent orders proposed by Mason, Albarran and Kijurina’s lawyer Chris Pearce of Blackwall Legal told Justice Lee “the receivers don’t necessarily accept the broad substantive position alleged against them”.

Nevertheless, they agreed to orders restraining them from dealing with any of the related assets or entering the properties the subject of the proceedings without providing written notice three days beforehand to Williams’ solicitors. The ball is well and truly in their court.

iNO emailed Albarran and Pearce seeking comment in respect of the matters aired but received no response prior to our publication deadline.

We’ll update the case as it progresses, including with any rebuttals the receivers choose to provide.