11 stories this week:
Ballarat real estate agent Richard Hayden admits stealing from clients to give dying wife good end to life – 5 June 2023
A former Ballarat real estate agent has learnt he will likely received a prison sentence, after admitting to embezzlement of business money to fund a good end to life for his wife who was dying of cancer. Hayden’s withdrawal of almost $770,000 from business to personal accounts over 98 transactions in 2018 and 2019 left insufficient funds for the company to pay clients’ deposits for the sale of their homes.
What is the PwC tax scandal? Who is Peter-John Collins? Who knew about it? Why does it matter? – 5 June 2023
Consulting firm PwC is still under fire over revelations some of its senior partners misused confidential Australian government information to help big multinational companies avoid paying more tax. This article explains exactly what happened, who was involved, how it all started and next steps.
Stephanie Carroll sentenced in Geelong court for WorkSafe benefits fraud – 5 June 2023
Stephanie Carroll, a Victorian woman has been ordered to repay more than $60,000 after fraudulently receiving compensation payments for a work-related injury, despite working at a fitness studio. Carroll was sentenced to do unpaid community work and also pay restitution and costs.
The most powerful man in crypto is facing charges. Who is Binance founder Changpeng Zhao? – 6 June 2023
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao and his exchange have been charged with 13 offences and accused of operating a “web of deception”. It is alleged Binance has grown to a colossal size by systematically evading US laws. Binance has vowed to ‘defend the platform vigorously’.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-06/binance-billionaire-changpeng-zhao-web-of-deception/102447196
Investigation into BHP’s underpayment of 30,000 workers launched by Fair Work Ombudsman – 6 June 2023
Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating whether BHP’s “disappointing” underpayment of 30,000 employees was due to neglect. BHP has estimated it will cost around $400 million to pay back its employees. The ombudsman has also commenced legal action against the Commonwealth Bank and Commsec, alleging underpayments of more than $16 million to around 7,000 employees and taken legal action against Super Retail Group, whose retailers include Supercheap Auto, Rebel and BCF, and signed undertakings with Qantas, Westpac and David Jones.
Angus Dick convicted over payments claimed for bad back while working as escort and cleaner – 7 June 2023
Angus Dick has been fined for faking a bad back and fraudulently claiming thousands of dollars while working as escort and a cleaner. Dick did not declare any of the work activity and continued to claim he had not worked during the time he received compensation payment. He was convicted and ordered to serve 200 hours of unpaid work.
South Korean inquiry to investigate 237 more foreign adoptions suspected to be fraudulent – 8 June 2023
South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission says it will investigate 237 more cases of South Korean adoptees who suspect their family origins were manipulated to facilitate their adoptions in Europe and the United States. South Korea was ruled by dictatorships at the height of the practice, which was seen as a way to deepen ties with the West.
Naracoorte small business warns others to guard passwords after email hack attack – 8 June 2023
A small business owner in South Australia’s south-east is warning others to manage their passwords better after his email account was hacked and a customer almost handed over more than $100,000 to a scammer.
Arrest warrant granted for Sydney developer Jean Nassif over alleged fraud offences – 9 June 2023
Jean Nassif is wanted for alleged fraud offences, however NSW Police don’t know where the Sydney developer is. A court has also heard his daughter who is on bail, has allegedly made and submitted false or misleading sales contracts in order to access a $150 million loan for the construction of three buildings in Toplace’s Skyview development at Castle Hill.
Perth financial adviser Mark Sebo stands trial after allegedly stealing $1 million from clients – 9 June 2023
Mark Raymond, a Perth financial adviser is on trial accused of stealing more than $1 million from the superannuation accounts of eight clients and spending it on online gambling. Some of the clients had contacted Mr Sebo when they noticed the transactions and the court heard he had replied with text messages urging them to make a complaint to the Australian Securities and investments commission (ASIC). Mr Sebo is representing himself at the trial and he denies any wrongdoing.
