The following are articles relevant to the Professional Investigator. Click on the title to make a comment or join the conversation.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 11 September 2026
ASIC examining hundreds of potential Big Four audit misconduct complaints – 4 September 2026
ASIC is reviewing 551 complaints of potential audit misconduct involving the Big Four accounting firms. The review includes allegations involving confidential information, whistleblower treatment and potentially misleading information provided to regulators, with KPMG facing particular scrutiny.
Melbourne broker linked to investigation into alleged $US600m trading fraud – 7 September 2026
A Melbourne-based foreign exchange broker has emerged in an international investigation into the collapse of Mars FX, an investment fund accused of losing or misappropriating around US$600 million. Australian regulators are assisting overseas authorities, although there is currently no suggestion the Melbourne broker was aware of wrongdoing.
Access to digital version of The Australian required to read article
Developer’s daughter pleads guilty to fraud after being ‘controlled’ by fugitive father – 7 September 2026
Ashlyn Nassif pleaded guilty to providing false or misleading information to help secure a $150 million Westpac construction loan. The court heard she submitted falsified documents and had been pressured by her father, property developer Jean Nassif. She received a six-month community corrections order.
Victorian IBAC reforms to expand corruption investigations – 8 September 2026
Victoria is proposing reforms to give IBAC broader powers to investigate corruption, including the ability to follow public money into private entities involved in government-funded projects. Critics have questioned why the reforms will not allow IBAC to reopen some previously dismissed or completed cases.
Access to digital version of The Australian required to read article
Labour hire boss charged after cross-border CFMEU raids – 9 September 2026
Three people have been arrested in Victoria following police raids linked to an investigation into alleged corruption and criminal activity involving the CFMEU. The cross-border operation targeted suspected links between union officials and organised crime, with authorities investigating allegations including bribery and money laundering.
Fair Work backs employer that fired worker over altered document – 9 September 2026
A Melbourne insurance brokerage was backed by the Fair Work Commission after dismissing an employee who altered a document she later submitted in her own employment claim. The employee removed the word “Senior” from an old letter, saying it was an inadvertent correction, but the employer considered it dishonest and dismissed her for serious misconduct. The Commission found the dismissal was not unfair, noting the employer had a genuine and reasonable belief that the conduct was serious and had properly investigated the matter before terminating her.
Prosecutors allege man used AI to ‘scrape’ court website, then asked ChatGPT for legal help – 10 September 2026
Sydney man Christopher Duff has pleaded not guilty to charges over the alleged unauthorised access of 8,769 restricted NSW court documents in 2025. Prosecutors allege he used ChatGPT to create code that bulk-downloaded the documents and later sought legal advice from the AI. The case could be an Australian first, with prosecutors seeking to use his ChatGPT conversations as evidence.
Aged care giant refunds $200,000 to residents over disputed living fees – 10 September 2026
An aged-care provider has agreed to refund around $200,000 to residents after concerns were raised about disputed living fees. The refunds follow a review of charges applied to residents, highlighting concerns about transparency and whether aged-care providers are correctly calculating and communicating fees to residents and their families.
Bankstown accounting firm staff accused of helping syndicate secure millions in fraudulent loans – 10 September 2026
Three employees of a Bankstown accounting firm, including its director, have been charged over their alleged involvement in a major fraud syndicate accused of using stolen identities and false financial documents to secure fraudulent loans. Police allege the three were linked to more than $46 million in fraudulent loans, as part of a wider $600 million scheme targeting banks and other financial institutions.
NDIS fraudster joins growing list of offenders – 11 September 2026
A NSW woman is facing sentencing after being convicted of defrauding the NDIS of $2.2 million through more than 1,000 false claims. Her case is one of a growing number of major NDIS fraud matters being pursued by the Fraud Fusion Taskforce.
Cybersecurity experts raise alarm after back-to-back data breaches – 11 September 2026
Cybersecurity experts in New Zealand are warning that a series of back-to-back data breaches highlights the growing vulnerability of organisations to cyberattacks. They say businesses need stronger security measures and better protection of sensitive customer information, as repeated breaches increase the risk of personal data being exposed or misused.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 4 September 2026
Secret rail levy could be corruption under expanded definition, ex-IBAC chief Robert Redlich says – 31 August 2026
Former IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said Victoria’s previously undisclosed Rail Improvement Charge could potentially fall within an expanded definition of corruption because of concerns surrounding secrecy, transparency and public trust. The levy was intended to raise billions of dollars for the Suburban Rail Loop and was reportedly developed and implemented without public disclosure before being exposed by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office.
Victoria Police charge man over alleged $424,000 in fraud as part of secret commission investigation – 1 September 2026
Victoria Police charged a man with offences including obtaining financial advantage by deception and making and using false documents as part of Taskforce Hawk’s investigation into alleged secret commissions in Victoria’s construction industry. Police allege the man was involved in more than $424,000 in fraud. A second man was also charged with making a false document.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-01/victoria-police-taskforce-hawk-arrest/107102784
How Coles and NSW Police busted an Apple gift card tampering scam – 1 September 2026
The ABC reports on a gift-card tampering scam involving Coles, where Apple gift cards were manipulated before being purchased by customers, allowing criminals to steal the loaded funds. NSW Police identified and convicted a man linked to more than $10,000 worth of tampered cards, highlighting growing concerns about gift-card fraud and organised criminal activity in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/coles-nsw-police-apple-gift-card-tampering/107102712
Australian Federal Police raid home of former CFMEU official John Perkovic – 1 September 2026
The AFP raided the Melbourne home of former CFMEU organiser John Perkovic as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in Victoria’s construction industry. Perkovic, who worked for more than a decade in the union’s Victorian branch before being dismissed in October 2025, is linked to allegations detailed in a report provided to the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU. The raid forms part of the broader investigation into alleged corrupt conduct within Victoria’s construction sector
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-02/afp-raid-melbourne-home-of-former-cfmeu-official/107105416
Property developer claimed ‘the premier is my best friend’ in tapped phone call, Icac hears – 3 September 2026
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption heard further evidence concerning allegations that property developer Jean Nassif made prohibited political donations totalling $2 million in an attempt to influence political outcomes. The inquiry is examining the alleged involvement of Charles Perrottet and others, including whether payments and political activity were connected to efforts to benefit Nassif’s property interests. The article reports that former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet is not accused of wrongdoing, while the ICAC inquiry into the alleged arrangements continues.
Ex-KPMG executive sues firm after being sacked over audit scandal – 3 September 2026
KPMG Australia’s former chief operating officer Eileen Hoggett is suing the firm after being expelled from the partnership over her alleged involvement in the audit leak scandal. The case follows allegations that confidential client documents were improperly stored and used, prompting investigations and the departure of senior KPMG executives. Hoggett is seeking access to documents relating to her dismissal and disputes the circumstances surrounding her expulsion.
Coffs Harbour strata fraud accused Jessica Carah granted Supreme Court bail with home detention – 4 September 2026
Former property manager Jessica Carah, who faces 404 criminal charges, was granted bail with home detention by the NSW Supreme Court. The charges include 403 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and an allegation involving proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000. The allegations stem from an investigation into unauthorised transfers from dozens of strata accounts while she was employed in the property management sector. Carah has not yet entered pleas to the charges.
Former V/Line boss and cleaning company boss jailed for corruption – 4 September 2026
Former V/Line chief executive James Pinder and cleaning company owner George Haritos were jailed over a corruption scheme involving multimillion-dollar cleaning contracts for Melbourne’s train network. Pinder pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office after accepting secret payments, including money connected with the purchase of a $2.5 million home, while failing to disclose his relationship with Haritos when a major contract was awarded. Haritos was also sentenced for his role in the conspiracy and secret commissions.
Bendigo Bank scam victims lose combined $350k, concerns raised about security systems – 4 September 2026
This article examines cases involving customers who lost substantial amounts of money to an alleged Microsoft impersonation scam after being persuaded to provide scammers with remote access to their computers. The victims subsequently raised concerns about the bank’s fraud detection and response processes, particularly after other financial institutions reportedly issued warnings about suspicious transactions.
Stephen Cross pleads guilty to dating app deception scam – 4 September 2026
A Victorian man pleaded guilty to multiple charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception after allegedly using false identities and fabricated personal emergencies to obtain money from women he met through dating applications. The court heard that the offending involved deception over an extended period and caused significant financial and personal harm to several victims. The matter is due to proceed to sentencing.
ASIC probing whether KPMG misled regulator – 4 September 2026
Australia. The SMH reports that ASIC is investigating whether KPMG misled the regulator in relation to an audit matter. The investigation follows concerns about information provided by the accounting firm and adds to scrutiny of KPMG’s conduct and audit practices.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 28 August 2026
South Australians lose $6 million to scams – 24 August 2026
South Australians reported more than $6 million in scam losses in the first half of 2026, including more than $3.5 million from investment scams. Authorities highlighted increasingly sophisticated financial crime using AI and stolen personal information.
https://cbs.sa.gov.au/news/south-australians-lose-%246-million-to-scams
CFMEU headquarters in Melbourne raided by police investigating alleged corruption – 24 August 2026
Victoria Police raided six properties, including the CFMEU’s Victorian headquarters, as part of an investigation into alleged secret commissions, fraud and organised crime in the construction industry. Five men were arrested and two subsequently charged with offences arising from the broader investigation.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-24/cfmeu-headquarters-raided-five-arrested/107071276
Victorian authorities accuse Royal One of fraud related to energy efficiency scheme – 25 August 2026
Victorian authorities suspended energy-efficiency company Royal One from the Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme after alleging that it submitted doctored photographs and falsified customer information to obtain certificates. The Essential Services Commission described the conduct as alleged deliberate fraud.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-25/vic-energy-efficiency-scheme-suspension-royal-one/107074834
Former AMP adviser banned for five years – 25 August 2026
A former financial adviser has been banned from providing financial services after ASIC identified misconduct he failed to act in clients’ best interests and gave advice which was “well below community expectations”. The case is relevant to financial-adviser compliance and ASIC’s use of banning powers against individuals who fail to meet their obligations.
https://www.moneymanagement.com.au/former-amp-adviser-banned-five-years/
Ex-ATO boss Chris Jordan allegedly paid ‘little or no income tax’ while at KPMG – 25 August 2026
Documents released during the parliamentary investigation into the KPMG audit-leaks scandal contain allegations concerning former KPMG partner and former ATO Commissioner Chris Jordan. The documents allege offshore arrangements, promotion of tax schemes and receipt of alleged secret commissions. These are allegations contained in documents, not established findings of wrongdoing.
ASIC sets plan to be easier to deal with, harder to avoid – 26 August 2026
ASIC announced a new regulatory plan aimed at making the regulator easier for compliant businesses to deal with while becoming tougher on entities attempting to avoid regulatory scrutiny. The plan specifically emphasises identifying misconduct earlier and taking more decisive action, including using AI to detect misconduct.
Anita Perrottet paid more than $250k for three months of consulting, ICAC told – 26 August 2026
NSW ICAC heard that Anita Perrottet was paid $254,666 for three months of consulting work. The inquiry is investigating whether payments made to her company represented genuine consulting work or were part of an alleged scheme involving prohibited political donations and the NSW Liberal Party’s Reformers faction.
ASIC must take stronger action against ‘delinquent auditors’, says former ACCC chair – 27 August 2026
Former ACCC chair Graeme Samuel has called on ASIC to make stronger use of its powers against auditors who fail to meet professional standards. The article examines concerns about auditor accountability and ASIC’s enforcement approach.
Victorian man arrested over alleged $700,000 NDIS fraud – 27 August 2026
Police arrested a 48-year-old man who allegedly used two businesses to divert approximately $700,000 in NDIS funding into his own bank accounts. Investigators allege false invoices were submitted for services that were never received over a two-year period.
Former NSW building commissioner David Chandler tells ICAC of alleged shakedown – 27 August 2026
David Chandler told NSW ICAC about an alleged threat from property developer Jean Nassif. ICAC is investigating whether political donations connected to Nassif were exchanged for political favours, including attempts to influence government decisions involving the construction industry.
ATO Data Matching: How Compliance Risks Are Found Fast – 27 August 2026
This article looks at how the ATO is increasingly using data matching to identify tax discrepancies and compliance risks. It highlights the growing ability of authorities to detect potentially fraudulent or misleading financial activity through automated analysis of financial data.
https://www.moore-australia.com.au/news/ato-data-matching-compliance-risks
Two Perth hackers charged after major AFP, FBI investigation into alleged global cybercrime – 27 August 2026
Two WA men in their early 20s have been charged with allegedly masterminding a global cybercrime syndicate that compromised hundreds of organisations. The men were arrested after a joint investigation by the state and federal police, in addition to the FBI.
Sydney-based telco employee accused of selling customer data – 28 August 2026
A 30-year-old telecommunications employee has been charged with allegedly accessing and selling customer information to criminal groups. Police allege the information was subsequently used to commit fraud against multiple victims. Charges include dealing with identity information to commit an indictable offence and allegedly corruptly receiving a benefit.
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/sydney-based-telco-employee-accused-of-selling-customer-data-628502
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 22 August 2026
NSW Casinos Fined A$2.25 Million After Teen Used Fake ID – 19 August 2026
Crown Sydney and The Star Sydney were fined a combined $2.25 million after a 16-year-old repeatedly entered their casinos using a fake licence and gambled thousands of dollars. The case highlights failures in identity verification and responsible gambling controls.
https://casinoshield.org/news/nsw-casinos-fined-225-million-after-teen-used-fake-id
ASIC Dismantles 3,106 Crypto Scams Amid AI Fraud Spike – 20 August 2026
ASIC reported removing 3,106 fake cryptocurrency platforms and more than 19,400 online scams during 2025–26. Authorities are increasingly seeing AI-generated deepfakes, fake news sites and fabricated reviews being used to attract victims to fraudulent investment platforms.
https://financefeeds.com/asic-dismantles-3106-crypto-scams-amid-ai-fraud
Mortgage fraud exposed: hundreds of millions in fake loans – 20 August 2026
Further reporting on AUSTRAC’s Operation Claw revealed suspected coordinated mortgage fraud involving brokers, accountants and law firms. Investigators found false income and employment information, offshore funds and repeated use of the same intermediaries across suspicious loan applications.
https://www.apreview.com.au/mortgage-fraud-rings-exposed-fake-loans-lender-verification
ASIC targets accountants in fraud investigation – 20 August 2026
AUSTRAC has uncovered potentially millions of dollars in fraudulent loans, mainly linked to Sydney properties, involving suspected false or unverifiable business activity. Accountants, mortgage brokers and lawyers were among those whose involvement has been referred to ASIC, the ATO and other regulators. The investigation found repeated use of some professional advisers, false income streams and offshore or third-party funds being used to support loan applications and repayments, prompting regulators to warn lenders to strengthen fraud controls.
Claims of secret payments, gifts, bullying: Former KPMG partner named – 20 August 2026
A letter tabled in federal Parliament has named former KPMG partner Philip Henry in allegations involving secret payments, misuse of a trust fund, gifts and bullying. The claims include an alleged $500,000 payment to a whistleblower, raising questions about how complaints were handled and whether financial arrangements were properly disclosed. The allegations are serious but remain claims rather than established findings.
NT Police charge man with money laundering following months-long investigation into illicit tobacco sales – 20 August 2026
A 33-year-old Darwin man has been charged with allegedly laundering $9.36 million through an illegal tobacco business following a four-month investigation by NT Police and the Australian Border Force. Police allege the man used the business to process proceeds from illicit tobacco sales, highlighting the growing links between the illegal tobacco trade and organised financial crime. He is due to face Darwin Local Court.
Court quashes medical panel opinion in Woolworths injury claim – 20 August 2026
The Victorian Supreme Court overturned a medical panel’s decision in a Woolworths workplace injury claim, finding the panel failed to properly consider medical evidence showing the worker had experienced neck and shoulder problems before a 2021 workplace incident. The court found a key statement in the panel’s reasoning was factually incorrect and sent the case back to a newly constituted medical panel for reconsideration. The worker’s serious injury claim therefore remains open.
Only one type of lawyer will survive the AI wipeout – 20 August 2026
The article argues that AI could dramatically reshape the legal profession, potentially eliminating many traditional lawyer and legal-support roles as AI becomes capable of conducting research, preparing documents and even representing people in some cases. Futurist Greg Baker, who successfully used AI in a legal matter against lawyers, predicts judges may be among the few legal professionals whose roles remain, because courts will still require humans to make authoritative decisions, assess evidence and exercise judgment.
Digital version of AFR required to read article
Nigerian in Australia denied bail over alleged $5m disability scheme fraud – 20 August 2026
An Australian-Nigerian businessman was denied bail over an alleged $5 million NDIS fraud, with prosecutors arguing he posed a flight risk after allegedly transferring substantial funds to Nigeria and purchasing a one-way ticket there.
https://gnatv.org/article/nigerian-in-australia-denied-bail-over-alleged-5m-disability-scheme-fraud
Axed KPMG partners $500,000 worse off because of audit scandal – 21 August 2026
KPMG has told about 50 partners who are losing their jobs that their severance payments will be significantly reduced as the firm cuts costs following its audit scandal. Long-serving partners who previously could receive nine months’ pay will now receive six months, while others will receive just three months instead of six. The affected partners were not involved in the misconduct, but are bearing the financial consequences of the scandal, which has damaged KPMG’s reputation, cost contracts and triggered wider job cuts.
Pacific nations detain Chinese, Indonesian boats for illegal fishing – 21 August 2026
Pacific island nations have detained four Chinese and Indonesian fishing vessels for illegal fishing or licence breaches during a major regional crackdown. More than 100 vessels were boarded between August 3–14 across 28 million sq km of ocean, with another 16 vessels identified for further investigation. The operation highlights the importance of protecting Pacific fishing resources, particularly tuna, which generates significant income and supports around a third of Pacific households.
Judge in DPP stoush disqualified over secret texts with lawyers – 21 August 2026
A senior NSW judge has been disqualified from hearing a case after secretly exchanging text messages and LinkedIn messages with lawyers involved in matters before him. The NSW Court of Appeal found the communications created a reasonable apprehension of bias and criticised the judge’s conduct, adding another chapter to the ongoing dispute between the judiciary and the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions.
Access to digital version of AFR required to read article
Councillor suspended over kickback allegations eyes state election – 21 August 2026
Kingston councillor Caroline White has confirmed she intends to contest the Victorian state election after being suspended from council over misconduct allegations. White had alleged that fellow councillor Hadi Saab received political funding kickbacks linked to a government grant for the local Druze community. The allegations led to a council investigation and her suspension, but White maintains she was acting in the public interest and says she now wants to take her concerns to state politics.
Digital version of Herald sun required to read article
US Citizen deported from Fiji over $165 million Ponzi scheme – 21 August 2026
US citizen Edward Zimbardi, 59, has been deported from Fiji to the US after allegedly fleeing there to avoid FBI investigators investigating a US$165 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme. He had spent about a year in Fiji, reportedly living a lavish lifestyle, before undercover FBI agents located and escorted him back to the US, where he faces wire fraud and money-laundering charges.
Origin restricts staff access after data breach as it finalises review – 21 August 2026
Origin Energy has tightened staff access to sensitive systems following a data breach of 900,000 customers records, as it completes an internal review of the incident. The company is introducing stronger security controls to reduce the risk of further breaches, while investigating how the incident occurred and whether customer or other sensitive information was compromised.
IT manager sentenced to 22 months for stealing $1.2m in Deloitte laptops – 22 August 2026
A 40-year-old Deloitte IT manager in Hong Kong has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after stealing 423 laptops worth HK$1.2 million over 17 months. He exploited his position to remove and sell the laptops to a recycler for cash, then used the proceeds for speculative stock investments, losing the money. The court criticised his abuse of trust but reduced the sentence to reflect his guilty plea, confession, remorse and cooperation with police.
TikTok to pay $559m in ‘one of the largest’ child pivacy settlements – 22 August 2026
TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have agreed to pay US$400 million (about A$559 million) to settle a US government case alleging they illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. The companies were also accused of failing to delete children’s accounts when requested by parents. The settlement is one of the largest recoveries under US children’s privacy laws, although TikTok has not admitted wrongdoing.
