Maguire-linked directors banned for five years over $57m collapse – 13 January 2026
The spectacular downfall of a business empire linked to disgraced MP Daryl Maguire has resulted in maximum five-year bans for two directors who misused their positions. Two directors tied to United World Enterprises (UWE), previously promoted by former MP Daryl Maguire, were banned from company management for 5 years due to insolvent trading, misuse of assets and misconduct.
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Concern ‘ghost stores’ taking advantage of Bondi massacre in online scam – 13 January 2026
NSW Fair Trading is investigating an online retailer called Isla & James accused of trying to profit from the recent Bondi Beach terror attack by exploiting public grief to boost sales. The website claimed one of its co founders had been shot in the attack and used that narrative to promote a closing down sale — but authorities now believe these claims were false and misleading.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-13/nsw-bondi-beach-terror-attack-online-store-scam/106224742
Hackers access names, emails of Victorian students in data breach – 14 January 2026
Hackers have accessed names, email addresses and encrypted passwords of current and former students at all Victorian government schools. The education department said it had identified “the point of the breach” and that “safeguards” had been put in place. The department said there was no evidence to suggest the data had been released publicly or shared with other third parties.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-14/student-data-breach-victorian-education-department/106230114
Police investigating fraud claim against director of liquidated caravan manufacturer Zone RV – 15 January 2026
Zone RV will be liquidated after creditors voted to wind up the luxury caravan manufacturer. The Sunshine Coast-based company collapsed in December, owing $42 million. Liquidators are set to pursue director David Biggar, with police also investigating a fraud complaint.
Ex-travel agent charged with defrauding clients out of $33k – 14 January 2026
Joanne Harding-Smith, 55, a former Brisbane travel agent and director of Maverick Travel has allegedly take money from clients for cruise bookings in 2023 but only paid part of those funds to the cruise companies, keeping the rest. She’s been charged with seven counts of fraud by dishonest application of property held in trust—a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Body corp manager allegedly took $170K+ in property from clients – 15 January 2026
It is alleged that Chloe Rochelle Melenewycz, a 27-year-old from Greenslopes and former strata/community manager for Archers The Strata Professionals in Brisbane improperly obtained financial entitlements (“chose in action”) from several Brisbane apartment buildings, including one valued at about $135,017 in Woolloongabba, allegedly by falsifying invoices and reimbursement reports and using restricted systems without permission.
Alleged firebomber charged over arson attack on shop with suspected illegal tobacco links in South West – 15 January 2026
Detectives have charged a 38-year-old South Perth man in relation to the alleged firebombing of a convenience store in the state’s South West. The resulting fire gutted the shop and damaged nearby businesses. The man was remanded in custody and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on February 11.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-15/alleged-tobacco-firebomber-charged/106228292
International students face fraud crackdown in Australia – 15 January 2026
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has tightened visa scrutiny on student visa applicants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan by raising their Evidence Level from 2 to 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF). This change was justified by “emerging integrity issues” — meaning a higher perceived risk of fraud associated with applications from these countries.
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2026/international-students-face-fraud-crackdown-in-australia.html
Qld Health surgeons front court over alleged $3m kickback scheme – 15 January 2026
Three men, including neurosurgeons Richard Laherty and Dihan Aponso, were charged over secret payments (~$2.8m) linked to procurement of medical products, involving fraud and false accounting.
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Pawnbroking industry on notice after firm slammed for unlawful 480 per cent interest – 16 January 2026
The Federal Court of Australia ruled that Taylors Business, a pawnbroking company in Melbourne, charged customers annual interest rates equivalent to about 480% — far above what Australian consumer credit laws allow. The court determined the business operated without a valid pawnbroking licence and voided all loan contracts it had issued, meaning they’re unenforceable.
