A man who is reported to be originally from Fiji, Keith Lapham, a former Green Acres franchise master and the alleged brains behind an alleged franchise scam is accused of taking nearly $4 million from various customers.

The New Zealand Herald reports that nearly 200 people, mainly Indian and Chinese immigrants in New Zealand, are alleged to have paid Lapham for non existent ironing businesses in 2007.

Green Acres first became aware of problems when some unauthorized franchisees contacted them with their concerns.

Lapham, pleaded not guilty last week to three counts of obtaining funds by deception.

The statement of claim said Green Acres had breached its duty by failing to monitor and control Lapham, failed to take steps to ensure adequate reporting by its former contractor, and failed to terminate the franchise agreement with him.

A group claiming to be victims of an alleged Green Acres franchise scam are suing the firm for millions of dollars in compensation.

More than 60 people have filed a legal claim in the High Court totalling $8.1 million after they were allegedly sold non existent franchise businesses.