Ex-Vic Lib boss spends first night in jail

Former Victorian Liberal state director Damien Mantach has spent his first night behind bars, accused of stealing $1.5 million from the party.

The 42-year-old has been charged with 44 counts of fraud after money allegedly went missing from the party's funds.

Mantach had announced in March he would step down from his role with the Victorian branch and take up a position in the federal system.

In August he was named when allegations of theft surfaced.

On Wednesday police charged Mantach with obtaining financial advantage by deception to the tune of $1.5 million.

Mantach briefly appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon where he did not apply for bail.

He was remanded in custody until February 17 and was returned to the jail cells after the hearing.