The Block’s “Lambo Guy” Adrian Portelli has confirmed he’s moved to Dubai and unleashed on Australia in the process, branding the country “finished” and praising The Gulf state’s tax-free appeal.
In a fiery series of social media postson Wednesday, the billionaire businessman said Australia was “genuinely finished under its current control and leadership”, while insisting he had not “fled” the country.
Portelli said the relocation had been in the works for three years and had been declared to the Australian Taxation Office, pushing back on suggestions his move was linked to mounting pressure over proposed gambling reforms that could affect his LMCT+ empire.
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“Australia is genuinely finished under its current control and leadership in the form of the government and media. It’s a big brainwashing circus,” he wrote.
“I’ve been planning this move for three years and lodged my plans with the ATO the entire time.
“My family and I were initially meant to move to Italy, which was going to be the base for my overseas business. However, at the last minute, we changed our plans and chose Dubai.”
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Billionaire Adrian Portelli has moved to Dubai. Source: Instagram
The father of two said Dubai offered greater safety for his family, “top tier” education and easier access to Australia for travel.
“And yes, it’s tax-free. Good,” he added.
Portelli also used the posts to vent about life in Australia, taking aim at the Albanese government, the media and the rising cost of basic goods.
“My $100 million ATO donation clearly wasn’t put towards bettering the lives of Australians, so I’ll do it myself and build necessities in the form of petrol stations and supermarkets,” he said.
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In a statement posted to Instagram, Portelli implied he had considered running for high office
He later posted a photo of a 300g Australian scotch steak purchased in Dubai for a little over $20, questioning why local produce could be sold overseas for a similar price, or less, than in Australian supermarkets.
“How is Australian beef in Dubai on par with, if not cheaper than, most supermarkets in Australia?” he wrote.
Portelli also criticised the cost of meat in Australia after purchasing Australian beef in Dubai for a similar price. Source: Instagram
His remarks come after renewed scrutiny of LMCT+, the viral subscription-based business that offers members entry into prize draws for luxury cars, homes, cash and other high-value rewards.
Draft legislation released in June would ban lotteries operating “under the guise of” subscription rewards programs or loyalty clubs, a category likely to capture businesses such as LMCT+.
The bill states that while many organisations run legitimate trade promotion and rewards programs, concerns have emerged about operators using those models to offer lottery-style products.
A recent post on Instagram is also hinting at a future political career.
Portelli has rejected claims he “fled” Australia in response to the proposed crackdown, maintaining the move was long planned.
He also hinted at political ambitions, saying he wanted to help “run the show” and hold national leaders accountable.
“I’m on a mission to run the show as well as hold the people running this country accountable for the position we find ourselves in today,” he wrote.
“I’d do it for free and donate my wage back to the people. Australians deserve better and we should never be afraid to demand better from the people entrusted to lead us.”
Portelli rounded out the social media spray by posting images of his new life in Dubai, including family pool time and a barbecue at his accommodation.