Arrest warrant issued for former logistics company manager

A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a former SeaRoad Shipping manager, accused of ripping off his then employer to the tune of $8.7m.

Troy Pannell, also a former AFL umpire, failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court in Melbourne on Monday May 12.

It is listed as a civil matter.

A warrant, seen by Daily Cargo News, has since been issued by Justice Andrew Watson for Pannell’s arrest, ahead of the next scheduled appearance this Friday (6 June) to face a contempt of court charge.

Court documents relating to the warrant stated that “it appears to the court that Troy Cameron Pannell has left Victoria”.

The original writ from SeaRoad was lodged in December of last year.

The case centres on claims that between 2015 and 2024, Pannell made a series of payments to a business named Independent Container Surveyors & Assessors Pty Ltd, registered in Mount Macedon, purportedly to repair damaged shipping containers.

Each container repair was listed as costing SeaRoad $800 to 900.

It was later revealed that Pannell was the sole director and shareholder of ICSA and it is further alleged that work described was never carried out.

Comment has been sought from SeaRoad.

Pannell was previously an AFL umpire, officiating in more than 200 games between 2005 and 2018.