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ABC News
ABC News
National

Canberra chef and former owner of Courgette Restaurant James Mussillon pleads guilty to perjury and money laundering

James Mussillon was initially charged with 14 offences, but that has since been reduced to five. (ABC News)

Acclaimed Canberra chef James Mussillon has pleaded guilty to charges including perjury and money laundering in the ACT Magistrates Court.

Mussillon, 50, was the operator of Canberra's Courgette Restaurant until his arrest last year.

Under Mussillon, the restaurant received multiple awards and accolades.

In the lead up to the arrest of Mussillon and his co-accused Mohammed Al-Mofathel, police swooped on the renowned city venue, and two homes in Bonner and Holt, seizing up to $1 million in cash and assets.

Three cars, including a Lamborghini, were among the items seized.

Policemen raided Courgette Restaurant and two homes in the suburbs of Bonner and Holt. (Supplied: ACT Policing.)

Mr Al-Mofathel, 29, was charged with trafficking cannabis, perjury, money laundering and perverting the course of justice.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Initially, Mussillon was charged with 14 offences, but that has since been reduced to five, with several charges dropped altogether.

Prosecutors are still finalising agreed facts in the case.

Mussillon has now been released on bail, pending sentencing in the ACT Supreme Court.

He is expected to be back in court next month

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