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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 30 January 2025
Chinese model rescued from scam centre in Myanmar – 17 January 2025
Chinese authorities have reportedly rescued a Chinese model who was caught up in a human-trafficking ring in Myanmar’s lawless borderlands.
Chinese and Thai police had jointly arrested 12 suspects allegedly involved in the scam operations where the victims were being held.The model and several other victims have been returned to China.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-17/chinese-model-rescued-from-scam-centre-in-myanmar/104831514
NSW Introduces Australia’s First Coercive Control Laws – 18 January 2025
New South Wales has taken a landmark step in addressing domestic abuse. On July 1, 2024, the state became the first in Australia to criminalise coercive control. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, passed in November 2022, introduces a standalone offense targeting patterns of abuse in intimate relationships.
Queensland man jailed for falsely claiming COVID, flood relief payments – 22 January 2025
A north Queensland man will spend four months behind bars, after receiving more than $40,000 in COVID-19 and disaster payments. The Mackay man claimed $3,000 for himself and used his bank account to host the fraudulent claims of 25 others. The man will serve jail time and pay $10,000 in reparations to the Commonwealth over the next four years.
‘Tens of millions’: BHP sackings tip of corruption iceberg – 22 January 2025
The 26 contractors sacked by BHP so far amid a corruption probe all came from one mine. More are in the firing line.
Access to digital version of Australian required to read article
Optus says tough new scam rules are ‘unworkable’ – 22 January 2025
Australia’s biggest telco companies are fighting new scam legislation, claiming they should only be required to comply with industry codes – which cannot be enforced by law. These new rules aim to stop Australians being plagued by scams on their phones and social media.
Payroll Manager Admits to Two Employee Fraud Counts – 23 January 2025
Former payroll manager and gambling addict, Brendan Wayne Dodd pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by an employee of at least $100,000. Brisbane’s District Court heard Dodd was working at Vita Group Ltd in Albion, when he made 99 transfers totalling $411,000 over two years and five months to himself, modifying records to disguise the payments. A psychologist’s report indicated Dodd exhibited obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms which were masked by gambling.
https://www.miragenews.com/payroll-manager-admits-to-two-employee-fraud-1395748/
WA agricultural lobby group halts operations to investigate financial misconduct – 24 January 2025
The future of an agricultural lobby group in WA is in question following a financial misconduct investigation. The president of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association says financial misconduct has been uncovered, but the organisation will survive.
The organisation will cease collecting membership fees and staff are to be stood down in the short-term.
‘Enough is enough’: Banks ramp up attack on tech giants over scams – 27 January 2025
Australian banks have called out Facebook’s parent company, Meta, for enabling scammers to use its social media platforms to lure victims and facilitate money laundering, in an escalation of their attack on tech giants for “avoiding responsibility” in tackling scams. They have accused Meta of failing to remove pages and posts even after they had been flagged as fraudulent.
Perth financial advisor Anthony Paul Torre admits stealing $1 million from clients’ superannuation funds – 28 January 2025
Anthony Paul Torre has admitted to stealing $1.03 million from three couples, one individual and one company. The offences happened between March 2010 and January 2015. The 56-year-old is “highly likely” to receive an immediate prison sentence when he is sentenced.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-28/anthony-paul-torre-admits-stealing-clients-money/104868710
Trump administration fires more than a dozen prosecutors – 28 January 2025
The US Justice Department says it has fired more than a dozen employees who worked on criminal investigations into Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the department this month after submitting a two-volume report on the twin investigations into Mr Trump’s efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election and his hoarding of classified documents. It was also not immediately known how many of the fired prosecutors intended to challenge the terminations.
Nant distilling founder Keith Batt in court on 736 charges over alleged investor fraud – 29 January 2025
The founder of Nant Distilling, Keith Batt, has appeared in court facing charges for allegedly defrauding investors in a whisky investment scheme.
Court documents list 56 alleged victims of stealing and dishonestly acquiring a financial advantage, covering an alleged $586,680. Batt has not entered a plea and will next appear in court in May.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-29/tas-nant-whisky-court-case/104871256
Why Australia needs better whistleblower protections – Full Story podcast – 28 January 2025
Blowing the whistle on corruption, wrongdoing and unethical behaviour can come at a huge personal cost to those who choose to speak out. Kieran Pender, associate legal director at the Human Rights Law Centre, tells Nour Haydar why more needs to be done to ensure workers who speak up about wrongdoing are protected
Bendigo Bank blames Danny McIver after he lost $70k to scammers – 28 January 2025
In September last year, Mr McIver was on his computer and a message flashed up from Microsoft warning he had been hacked. It urged him to call a number provided and he was told to download software which then gave hackers access to his computer. He then lost 70,0000. He is pursuing a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority with assistance from IT expert. The biggest issue being why Bendigo back didn’t stop the large transfers of money.
Should social media companies compensate scam victims? – 28 January 2025
Social media companies could be responsible for compensating scam victims under draft laws introduced by the federal government.
ASIC sets key regulatory focus areas for Australia’s financial system – 28 January 2025
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released its regulatory focus areas for 2025, highlighting critical issues that impact financial markets, consumer protection, and economic stability. These priorities reflect ASIC’s ongoing surveillance of the financial system and its mandate to maintain trust, integrity, and resilience across sectors.
Australia’s regulatory crackdown targets bribery, money laundering and cybercrime – 28 January 2025
This article discuss investigations trends and developments, law reforms impacting corporate criminal liability, sectors targeted by law reforms or criminal enforcement and predictions for 2025 and many other key regulatory areas.
NSW Police sergeant accused of filming and distributing vision of colleague’s genitals given warning – 28 January 2025
A complaint to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) alleged a NSW Police sergeant on a long drive with two junior officers allegedly refused to stop the car to allow one of the officers to use the bathroom. The officer was allegedly forced to urinate into a bottle, while the Sergeant filmed his genitals before sending the vision to a WhatsApp group.
The matter was investigated by NSW Police after a complaint by a whistleblower to the LECC, with police finding the behaviour was “unprofessional” but not “criminal”.
‘Shut me up’: Bank’s gross move after scam leaves Sydney man ‘disgusted’ – 29 January 2025
Dean Cropp wants to see laws introduced into Australia to ensure that scam victims are compensated just like in the UK. Article explains how he was scammed $40000 and that banks only gave him $1000.
Qld man accused of impersonating dead people in alleged $460k loan fraud – 29 January 2025
A Queensland man is facing 140 charges over an alleged fraud scheme in which he is accused of impersonating multiple people, living and dead at Gympie and the Gold Coast.
Access to gympie times required to read articles
ASIC super boss Simone Constant warns $3tr nest-egg becoming soft target as banks, telcos lift scam game – 30 January 2025
Australia’s financial watchdog fears superannuation funds will become the soft target for scammers if they fail to improve their fraud-fighting and anti-scam systems. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has called on super trustees overseeing $3 trillion of retirement savings to start finding ways to improve their technology and governance as millions of people headed towards retirement.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 24 January 2025
Pakistani court sentences ex-prime minister Imran Khan to 14 years in prison – 17 January 2025
A Pakistani court has sentenced the country’s former prime minister Imran Khan to 14 years in jail after finding him guilty of corruption. His wife was also sentenced to seven years in the same case. The couple are accused of accepting a gift of land from a real estate tycoon in exchange for laundered money when Khan was in power.
Victorian ‘whistleblower’ prosecuted after leaking information from Lawyer X investigation office – 17 January 2025
A public servant who leaked details about an investigation into Victoria’s Lawyer X scandal has been taken to court. It came after the state’s integrity watchdog launched a probe to find out who was behind the source of leaks to the Herald Sun.
The public servant was granted a diversion, meaning they will not receive a conviction or a blemish on their criminal record if they are of good behaviour for the next six months.
Australia Post warning over $19.3 million QR code rort: ‘Record amounts’ – 18 January 2025
Aussies are being urged to be on the lookout for a new “sophisticated” scam that’s lurking on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers are using fake QR codes from Australia Post to make sellers think that they have prepaid shipping for the item they’re offloading to the buyer. The seller is told to scan these codes to get the money for the item and confirm the sale, but that’s where the heist happens.
The code takes people to a phishing site that isn’t the official Australia Post website and your valuable personal and banking information can be stolen
Centrelink payment warning after Aussies targeted: ‘Urgently update’ – 20 January 2025
The new Centrelink scam of most concern at the moment, involves emails pretending to be from Centrelink, that claim you need to “urgently update” your details therwise your payments will be stopped. But the email will contain a fake myGov website that can steal your valuable information.
KPMG under investigation over audit of gambling company Entain – 20 January 2025
The accounting firm KPMG is under investigation by the sector’s UK regulator over its audit of the 2022 accounts of the gambling company Entain which owns brands including Ladbrokes, Coral and Sportingbet.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/20/kpmg-investigation-entain-frc
Three people, including ex-NAB employee, sentenced for trying to defraud bank of $21 million – 20 January 2025
Three people, including former NAB employee Monika Singh, have been sentenced for trying to defraud the bank of $21 million by using fake vouchers. Reports on the suitability of home detention for the trio are set to be tabled in court on March 21, but Justice Woodburne warned jail was still an option.
Historic fraud offences, Gympie and Gold Coast – 23 January 2025
Police have charged a man with 140 alleged fraud offences after extensive investigations into a series of incidents allegedly committed in 2019 and 2020 in Gympie and on the Gold Coast. The man allegedly fraudulently obtained and attempted to fraudulently obtain loans through various financial institutions, using the stolen identities of multiple people known to him.
https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/maryborough/2025/01/23/historic-fraud-offences-gympie-and-gold-coast/
Canberra tribunal orders $90,000 payout for KFC employee told to express breastmilk in toilet or storeroom – 23 January 2025
A Canberra mother has been awarded $90,000 in compensation by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal after she successfully won a discrimination case against her employer. ACAT found the former KFC employee was not provided with flexible working arrangements and was instead told to express breastmilk in the toilet or a camping-style toilet.
The employer has been ordered to review its policies around giving breastfeeding employees access to adequate facilities for expressing milk.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-23/kfc-employee-act-civil-administrative-tribunal/104851170
Could ‘criminals for hire’ be behind some antisemitic attacks in Australia? Here’s what we know – 23 January 2025
Federal authorities have confirmed they suspect “criminals for hire” may be responsible for some antisemitic attacks in Australia that have seen synagogues, cars, buildings and a childcare centre targeted with arson, graffiti and vile abuse.
But the question of who might be paying any such alleged criminals, and why they want to target the Jewish community in Australia, remains unanswered as police and intelligence agencies continue to investigate the attacks.
Domino’s pizza franchisee banned from employing trainees across 12 stores in South Australia – 23 January 2025
A franchisee operating a dozen Domino’s pizza stores in SA has been banned from employing trainees and apprentices. According to the SA government, Team Van Diemen SA Pty Ltd — which operates “over a quarter” of the Domino’s stores in the state — failed to meet training obligations. The SA Skills Commission has anticipated further action against others in the same sector, warning that the practices it had uncovered were common among fast-food operators.
Experts question how accused drug smuggler used fake documents to flee – 23 January 2025
Hussein Chamas, 35, has not been seen for two weeks after absconding from a rehabilitation centre using forged Supreme Court bail documents. An ex-judge and a crime expert say an in-depth investigation is needed into how the documents were forged. Australian Federal Police officers are working with a range of law enforcement agencies to find the fugitive.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 17 January 2025
Five tips to achieve physical security as Australasia racks up $26 billion investment in data centre capacity – 13 January 2025
Paper describes five tips on how to achieve protection and peace of mind, drawing on our experience as a global leader in architectural and security entrances, operating with scores of Fortune 500 companies, major government agencies, and some of the biggest technology providers across more than 20 countries.
Qld Health worker accused of $180k fraud – 13 January 2025
A Queensland Health employee has been suspended from duties after being accused of money laundering at a southside health centre where she allegedly defrauded more than $180,000.
Access to Courier Mail required to read article
New Report Identifies Cyber Threats to Operational Technology Products – 14 January 2025
According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), threat actors are successfully targeting particular operational technology products rather than specific organisations when compromising operational technology components. To help reduce the potential damage from these types of attacks, the ACSC has released a new report “Secure by Demand: Priority Considerations for Operational Technology Owners and Operators When Selecting Digital Products”. Link to the report is in the article
Written warning becomes dismissal after employee’s investigation emails – 14 January 2025
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with an unfair dismissal claim where a worker argued he was wrongfully terminated after a workplace vehicle collision. The worker maintained he wasn’t at fault for the accident and that the employer’s investigation process was flawed. The article outlines the case details and final outcome.
Government bolsters scam education to deter fraudsters – 14 January 2025
The government has announced the rollout of another scam campaign aimed at decreasing scam losses and establishing actionable and effective strategies. The campaign includes both TV and social media advert and would equip Australians with simple, actionable strategies to guard against scams.
Four month trial for alleged bank fraudster – 14 January 2025
Sara Daizli is facing 116 fraud charges after allegedly scamming her customers to fund her lavish lifestyle. She allegedly used her role at the bank to transfer customers’ funds into fake accounts and to fake customers between February 2016 and December 2018. One of the main alleged victims is a woman in her 80s who had thousands of dollars transferred out of her account through internet banking, which she had never used.
Banks should be liable for scams, social media firms say – 15 January 2025
Technology companies say they should not be made to compensate victims of scams on their social media platforms, and have pointed the finger at banks in a submission to a parliamentary committee examining the government’s proposed Scams Prevention Framework. The proposed reforms would impose fines of up to $50 million on banks, mobile networks, and social media companies which fail to act on preventing scams
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/banks-should-be-liable-for-scams–social-media-firms-say.html
Scam Prevention Framework Consultation Closes – 15 January 2025
The Scams Prevention Framework (SPF) Bill 2024 (the Bill) has been referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics (the Committee) whose report is due to back to the Senate 3 February 2025. The Bill encapsulates a novel, multi-faceted and comprehensive principles-based approach to harden Australia as a target for scammers. The Committee opened a consultation period for written submissions on the Bill which closed 9 January 2025.
https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/scam-prevention-framework-consultation-closes/
This Aussie tried to sue a scammer. Then things went horribly wrong – 15 January 2025
An Aussie woman who lost $200,000 to scammers, fell for a fake cryptocurrency trading platform called IBC Exchange, took matters into her own hands, tracking down the money mule and then tried to sue him. The process backfired, leaving her even more destitute.
Scammed company Inoteq ordered to pay $190k to Mobius Group after paying fraudulent invoice – 16 January 2025
Company Inoteq Pty Ltd has been ordered to pay more than $190,000 to Mobius Group after paying a fraudulent invoice. Hackers used the email of Mobius’s director to send the invoice with new bank details and the court found Inoteq didn’t do enough to protect itself. Lawyers say the effects of the case are likely to be felt across the country.
Fake ‘crime squad’ duped elderly Australians in letterbox scam – 16 January 2025
A man falsely claiming to be from PayPal’s fraud department, convinced an elderly woman to place $5000 in cash in her letterbox. The fraudster claimed that bank details had been hacked and cards had to be put in an envelope and placed in the victims’ letterboxes to be collected by security officials and locked down to prevent funds from being stolen.
Apple and Google take down crypto apps from alleged $24 billion cyberscam market owner – 16 January 2025
Apple and Google have delisted apps developed by a Cambodian company Huione Group, which is accused of running a multi-billion dollar market for illicit fraud services on Telegram. As much as $24 billion in sales had gone through the platform, making it “the largest illicit online marketplace to have ever operated.
Victorian ‘whistleblower’ prosecuted after leaking information from Lawyer X investigation office – 17 January 2025
A public servant who leaked details about an investigation into Victoria’s Lawyer X scandal has been taken to court. It came after the state’s integrity watchdog launched a probe to find out who was behind the source of leaks to the Herald Sun. The public servant was granted a diversion, meaning they will not receive a conviction or a blemish on their criminal record if they are of good behaviour for the next six months
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 10 January 2025
Owner of Ladbrokes and Neds sued for alleged anti-money laundering failure – 17 December 2024
Entain Group, the owner of Ladbrokes and Neds, has been accused by the financial crimes regulator of not doing enough to prevent money laundering on their products. AUSTRAC alleges Entain did not develop and maintain a compliant anti-money laundering program and failed to identify and assess the risks it faced. The matter is now before the Federal Court.
Major ATO, Centrelink, superannuation warning issued for Aussies for 2025: ‘Unprecedented rise’ – 25 December 2024
Thousands of Aussies reported being fleeced more than $584 million, with the average person losing $35,400. IDCARE, the national support centre for victims of identity theft, has identified the top six emerging scam trends to watch out for in 2025.
Australian Commission Places Hillsong College on Probation Due to Compliance Concerns – 26 December 2024
Investigations into Hillsong Church and its ministries was prompted by bombshell allegations against the church. These allegations, which became public in 2023, accused the church of mass money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission found the school had issues with reporting; financial and operational record keeping; governance standards; and its overseas records and financial management.
Big Four Banks using advanced tech to protect customers against financial crime and fraud – 27 December 2024
The ongoing use of advanced technologies is proving crucial in the fight against financial crime, with the Big Four banks making strides in protecting customers and closing loopholes used by fraudsters. More toxic workplace claims may face Super Retail Group Ltd with up to 10 whistleblowers potentially having a case against the group — the operator of Supercheap Auto, Rebel, Macpac and BCF. This adds to the 21 witnesses who are prepared to testify. The trial regarding the toxic workplace allegations is scheduled for mid-2025 and is expected to span six weeks.
Does tracking your employees actually make them more productive? – 27 December 2024
Companies have powerful new tools to track employees and monitor their productivity in detail, raising obvious concerns. This article explains the pros and cons of tracking employees.
https://thesector.com.au/2024/12/27/does-tracking-your-employees-actually-make-them-more-productive/
Gold Coast couple loses $250,000 house deposit in ‘spear phishing’ scam – 28 December 2024
The Robinsons were likely victims of what’s called a “spear phishing” attack — a personalised impersonation scam where scammers gain access to emails or text messages and impersonate someone, to make their victims believe they are communicating with people they know and trust. They lost $252, 0000 during the purchase of a property.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-28/couple-loses-more-than-250000-to-house-deposit-scam/104730344
Australia’s Four Major Banks Take Action Against Thousands of Suspected Mule Accounts – 29 December 2024
Australia’s “Big Four” banks are doubling down on the fight against financial crime, deploying cutting-edge technology to detect and dismantle networks of mule accounts. One key tool in this effort is BioCatch, an “interbank, behavior- and device-based fraud and scams intelligence-sharing network,” which revealed its list of Australian bank users last month. The ongoing use of advanced technologies is proving crucial in the fight against financial crime, with the Big Four banks making strides in protecting customers and closing loopholes used by fraudsters.
New transparency law aims to deter multinational tax avoidance – 31 December 2024
In the final sitting week of parliament in 2024, the Albanese government managed to pass one of the world’s strictest tax disclosure laws for multinational companies. Known as public country-by-country reporting (CBCR), it will be able to determine if genuine business operations align with where profits are booked, and taxes are paid. It will basically out the multinational corporations that fail to meet their corporate tax obligations, by shifting profits to once notorious tax haven jurisdictions.
Adelaide baseball club on brink of collapse after scammers steal $22,000 – 2 January 2025
A baseball club in Adelaide’s Eastern Suburbs is on the brink of collapse after it was scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars. A volunteer allowed remote access to his computer, unknowingly granting the scammer control. The scammers then siphoned $22,000 from the club’s bank account and even drained the volunteer’s personal savings.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/adelaide-baseball-club-scam/dcaa6a45-a1e0-44b1-baa2-14cc286003b0
How Young Australians are being scammed by their trust in social media – 3 January 2025
Reports show that Generation Z and Millennials lose millions every year to scammers lurking on social media. The scams range from ‘too good to be true’ marketplace deals to dodgy influencers promising wealth, health, or eternal happiness for the price of a few clicks. In 2023 alone, Australians under 25 reported over $5 million in losses, and that’s just what people were willing to admit.
Bet365 awaits AUSTRAC investigation, results up for 23/24 financial year – 7 January 2025
Britain’s bet365 says that it still doesn’t know the outcome of the Australian financial watchdog’s investigation into potential breaches of the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws. Authorities required the external auditor after suspecting that the company had contravened legislation regarding customer due diligence and AML programming.
Investigation into Met Police’s handling of some Mohamed al Fayed allegations – 8 January 2025
An investigation has been launched into whether there were “any missed opportunities or failures” in the Metropolitan Police’s handling of some allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed. Al Fayed has been accused of widespread abuse of female staff while he owned the Harrods department store.
https://news.sky.com/story/investigation-into-mets-handling-of-some-al-fayed-allegations-13285371
Four Greek men face drug trafficking charges in Australia: $34 million meth bust under investigation – 9 January 2025
Significant public and media interest surrounds the case of four Greek men accused of trafficking methamphetamine worth $34 million into Australia. The defendants are scheduled to appear in court on February 20, as Australian authorities continue their investigation into this high-profile drug bust.
Former Chapel St club boss left short by US dirty-money prob – 10 January 2025
The one-time boss of a Chapel St nightclub has had a second business put into liquidation amid tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid debts and a money laundering investigation in the US.
Access to digital version of Herald sun required to read article
How to fight financial crime in a bold new era of risk – 10 January 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where revolutionary technologies and global connectivity are transforming financial systems, the fight against financial crime is now pivotal to growth and success. Business needs to prioritize robust compliance measures, foster a culture of integrity and harness technology specifically tailored to mitigate today’s growing risk landscape. This article explores six prominent trends expected to shift the model of disrupting financial crime compliance over the next five to 10 years and the key actions organisations can take to better combat financial crime.
https://kpmg.com/th/en/home/insights/2025/01/a-paradigm-shift-in-financial-crime.html