Mother who faked son’s eye cancer diagnosis to raise money sentenced to over four years’ jail – 29 April 2026
A South Australian mother was jailed for more than four years after falsely claiming her six-year-old son had eye cancer to obtain donations from family, friends, and the school community. The court heard she shaved and bandaged the boy’s head, used a wheelchair as a prop, and convinced even her husband the child was seriously ill, despite medical tests showing no cancer. Judge Geraldine Davison described the scheme as “cruel” and a form of child abuse, saying the deception caused significant psychological harm to the child and others who donated money and support.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-29/mother-who-faked-sons-cancer-sentenced/106619528
Scam centre survivors criticise Steam video games that closely depict real-life compounds – 3 May 2026
An ABC investigation examined growing backlash against video games on the Steam platform that simulate real-world scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia. Survivors of human trafficking and forced scam labour said the games trivialise extreme abuse, violence, and psychological trauma they experienced inside criminal scam centres where victims are coerced into running online fraud schemes. Critics and anti-trafficking groups argued the games risk “gamifying” human suffering for entertainment, while some developers defended them as social commentary intended to raise awareness about scam operations and organised crime.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-03/scam-centre-computer-games-on-steam-upset-survivors/106605866
Queensland ministers clarify relationship timeline amid integrity questions – 4 May 2026
Tim Mander and Amanda Camm defended their handling of a past relationship after scrutiny over whether it should have been disclosed under Queensland ministerial conflict-of-interest rules. The ministers said they followed integrity advice and properly declared the relationship after rekindling it in 2025, while critics questioned whether earlier disclosure was required.
The modern day fraud crippling firms – 5 May 2026
A growing number of small businesses say they are being targeted by a modern type of theft, known as fraudulent charge-backs. It happens when a customer lodges a claim with their bank, saying an item they paid for by card was damaged or did not arrive. The claim can be difficult for business owners to dispute, if they disagree. Industry experts are concerned it is hurting businesses already struggling with higher costs.
Stavro Dámore pleads guilty to $700k fraud charges – 5 May 2026
Former Berndale Capital Securities director Stavro D’Amore pleaded guilty to fraud offences involving nearly $700,000 taken from company funds sourced from retail investor deposits. Prosecutors allege he misused his position as director, engaged in dishonest financial services conduct, and made false statements to ASIC. Investors are reportedly still owed millions following the company’s collapse.
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NSW Electoral Commission reopens investigation into Chris Minns political donations allegations – 7 May 2026
Chris Minns is facing renewed scrutiny after the NSW Electoral Commission reopened an investigation into alleged undisclosed political donations linked to a 2014 fundraising dinner at Sunny Seafood Restaurant. The ABC reported claims that donations may have been structured to avoid disclosure laws, though Minns denies any wrongdoing. The inquiry follows new evidence and referrals to prosecutors connected to alleged straw donor schemes involving NSW Labor fundraising events.
Husband of Rehana Parvin, who was allegedly murdered overseas, accused of forging her death certificate – 8 May 2026
A Brisbane court heard that Awlad Hossain allegedly forged his wife Rehana Parvin’s death certificate to transfer their three Queensland properties into his name. On Thursday, Defence lawyer Torik Dib argued that the death certificate was not forged, and it was a legitimate government document from Bangladesh. The bail application was adjourned to June 11.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-08/husband-accused-of-forging-death-certificate/106651896
ISIS-linked women charged with slavery-related offences as new details emerge of Yazidi woman’s alleged captivity – 8 May 2026
A Yazidi woman says she is willing to testify against some of the so-called “ISIS brides” after alleging she was kept as a slave in their family’s home in Syria. Two women have been charged with crimes against humanity offences, including enslavement, which a legal expert describes as “unprecedented” for Australia.
Billionaire philanthropist’s former secretary facing additional fraud charges – as it happened – 8 May 2026
Annalouise Spence, former private secretary to philanthropist Judith Neilson, was hit with 14 additional fraud charges, bringing the total to 82. Authorities allege she made approximately $1.6 million in unauthorized luxury purchases using Neilson’s accounts without permission.
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Joint NSW–Victoria police operation targets outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime – 8 May 2026
Police from Victoria and NSW have arrested 29 people during a five-day operation on the border. The blitz in Victoria’s north-east and southern NSW targeted outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime. Police say a number of people have been charged and will face court later in the year.
Tabcorp under Austrac investigation over cash betting practices – 8 May 2026
Australia’s financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC has opened an investigation into betting company Tabcorp over concerns it failed to properly manage money-laundering and terrorism-financing risks tied to cash betting and voucher systems. Tabcorp hired former AUSTRAC chief Paul Jevtovic to oversee its response. Investors reacted sharply, with the company’s share price falling significantly after disclosure.
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