The founder of a high-profile Gold Coast charity has been dumped as CEO after being charged by police with dozens of sexual offences.
Yas Matbouly was hit with the charges on Friday just hours after officers raided the charity’s Mermaid Beach headquarters.
The 50-year-old handed himself into Southport police station a short time later, where he was charged with a total of 51 offences including 34 counts of sexual assault, 14 counts of rape, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, one count of attempted rape.
“It will be alleged that between April 2025 and November 2025, the Mermaid Beach man committed offences against three women, all in their 20s, who were all known to him,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“Following investigations, officers today executed a search warrant at a Seaview Ave, Mermaid Beach business, where several items were seized”.
Matbouly fronted Southport Magistrates Court on 31 January, where he granted bail under strict conditions to reappear in court on February 19.
Serving our People has since issued a statement, confirming Matbouly is no longer involved in the charity.
“Effective immediately, Yas Matbouly is no longer operating as CEO or as a member of the Board,” the statement said.
“The organisation is currently being overseen by board members to ensure continuity while a new CEO is appointed.
“SOP takes all allegations extremely seriously and is focused on supporting its staff and volunteers.”
