Melbourne property developer faces charges over alleged investment scam – 5 October 2026
Melbourne developer Renato Montibeller faces six charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception. Police allege he promoted an investment scheme promising to double investors’ money through gold and foreign-exchange trading. Two initial investors reportedly transferred nearly $390,000, with other investors also allegedly losing money. The allegations have not been proven.
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ATO staff member charged over alleged disclosure of information to organised crime associates – 6 October 2026
An Australian Taxation Office employee was charged with two counts of unlawfully disclosing information obtained as a Commonwealth officer. The charges arose from Operation Esk, a joint investigation involving the NACC, AFP and ATO.
https://www.nacc.gov.au/news-and-media/monthly-update-october-2026
ASIC sues adviser over alleged $34 million in Shield and First Guardian kickbacks – 7 October 2026
ASIC has launched Federal Court proceedings against former financial adviser Osama Saad, alleging his companies received approximately $34 million from entities connected to the collapsed Shield and First Guardian investment funds. ASIC alleges some of the money benefited Saad and associates, while other funds supported marketing businesses that referred clients to advisers recommending the investments. The regulator also alleges Saad advised 217 clients to transfer more than $25 million in superannuation into First Guardian without acting in their best interests. ASIC is seeking financial penalties and restrictions on his future business activities.
Australia’s ASIC halts fundraising by three ASCF private credit funds – 7 October 2026
ASIC issued an interim stop order preventing Australian Secure Capital Fund from raising money for three private credit funds. The regulator raised concerns that investor disclosure documents may have inadequately explained loan portfolios, diversification, investment risks and disposal costs, and may have contained misleading statements. The action demonstrates the importance of accurate disclosure to retail investors
Tobacco stores in the west caught in crackdown – 7 October 2026
Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have closed 61 tobacco stores state wide in a month-long crackdown on illicit tobacco sales, including outlets in Footscray, Deer Park and Werribee. Authorities seized more than two million illicit cigarettes, 40,000 vapes, 120kg of loose tobacco and $500,000 in cash. New powers introduced in September 2026 allow authorities to shut stores selling illegal tobacco for up to 90 days. Police suspect the trade is linked to organised crime syndicates, with profits potentially funding further criminal activity.
https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/news/tobacco-stores-in-the-west-caught-in-crackdown/
Former CFMEU training boss fined over fraudulent invoices – 9 October 2026
Former CFMEU training manager Steven Deer was fined $2,250 and convicted after pleading guilty to obtaining property by deception. He submitted seven fraudulent invoices to four labour-hire companies, using CFMEU letterhead and a fictitious fund name to obtain $10,000 in sponsorship payments into his personal bank account. The case followed a whistleblower complaint and highlighted serious breaches of trust and financial controls.
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Former Metro Trains manager charged with corruption and fraud – 9 October 2026
A former senior manager at Metro Trains Melbourne has been charged with misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit fraud. Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) alleges the manager used their position to favour labour-hire company First Call Staffing in contracts involving rail-replacement bus services and printing. The company’s former director allegedly conspired to supply fewer staff than required and keep the resulting savings as profit. The case forms part of Operation Goyder, an investigation that began in 2022.
https://www.themandarin.com.au/321903-corruption-and-fraud-charges-for-victorian-public-servant/
Sydney man charged over alleged $1.8 million NDIS fraud – 9 October 2026
A 36-year-old man has been charged with allegedly obtaining financial gains of $1.8 million from a Commonwealth entity and dealing with more than $1 million in proceeds of crime. The investigation followed suspicious financial transactions and involved the Australian Federal Police and other agencies.
https://ndis.gov.au/news/11724-sydney-man-charged-alleged-role-18-million-ndis-fraud
Insurance giant Hollard fined $2 million after claim delays leave house uninhabitable – 9 October 2026
The Federal Court ordered Hollard to pay $2 million after finding serious failures in its handling of a Victorian couple’s storm-damage insurance claim. The insurer delayed inspections and repairs, failed to properly consider expert reports and did not adequately protect the property from further damage. ASIC took legal action against Hollard by starting court proceedings, which highlights regulatory accountability for unfair claims handling.
More than $470,000 in penalties imposed, as finance broking operator sanctioned for third time – 9 October 2026
Two Melbourne-based companies, Ansa Finance and AFSL Group, and their manager were penalised a total of $478,880 for breaches including systematic underpayment and adverse action against workers who sought their entitlements. The court found deliberate exploitation of vulnerable employees, including migrant workers. The companies were also ordered to rectify $30,817 in underpayments, plus interest and superannuation.
