Australia – Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Regulations 2026 – 5 May 2026
Updated anti-money laundering guidance highlights growing risks involving digital payments, organised crime networks, illicit tobacco proceeds, and cross-border laundering activity. Regulators flagged stronger enforcement action across casinos, wagering companies, and financial institutions.
AUSTRAC warns of evolving money laundering threats – 15 May 2026
AUSTRAC released its annual update warning that criminal networks are increasingly using sophisticated and transnational methods to exploit Australia’s financial system. The report highlights emerging risks involving illicit tobacco, digital channels, and evolving laundering techniques.
SMSF Scams and Early Access: ATO Warnings for Australians – 19 May 2026
This article highlights warnings from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and ASIC about scams involving self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and illegal early access to superannuation. Regulators say scammers are targeting Australians through social media, online advertising, and cold calls, encouraging people to establish SMSFs so they can access their retirement savings before they are legally entitled to do so. These schemes often involve rolling superannuation into an SMSF and withdrawing funds for personal use while promoters charge large fees or take a portion of the money.
https://kalkine.com.au/news/smsf/smsf-scams-and-early-access-ato-warnings-for-australians
NSW authorities highlight major fraud cases targeting Australians – 20 May 2026
NSW police and government officials highlighted several major fraud prosecutions from the past year, including fake finance applications, rental scams, employee theft, and fraudulent building schemes. The report noted that personal fraud affected millions of Australians in 2024–25.
Queensland yacht broker loses appeal over $800k fraud case – 21 May 2026
Dianne Barbara Lyons lost her appeal against convictions relating to an $800,000 yacht import fraud. The court found she redirected client payments intended for yacht purchases to cover personal financial obligations, causing major losses for customers.
ASIC enters final stages of Shield, First Guardian probe – 21 May 2026
ASIC has taken Federal Court action against Equity Trustees over its role in the collapse of the First Guardian Master Fund, alleging it failed to properly check risks before allowing the high-risk fund onto its platform, contributing to about $65 million in investor losses.
Tabcorp appoints ex-Austrac boss amid AML probe – 21 May 2026
Gambling giant Tabcorp has appointed former AUSTRAC CEO Paul Jevtovic to oversee its response to an ongoing anti-money laundering investigation. Regulators are examining whether Tabcorp failed to properly manage risks linked to suspicious betting activity and customer monitoring processes
Access to digital version required to read article
NDIS integrity inquiry hears raft of alarming claims and calls for greater whistleblower protections – 21 May 2026
A raft of new concerns has been aired at a parliamentary inquiry into the integrity of the NDIS. Lawyers renewed calls to bolster whistleblower protections, while authorities told the hearing they were still encountering barriers in their anti-fraud work. The committee is expected to report on July 2.
Container Exchange depot operator U Can Recycle accused of ‘behaviour of concern’ sues for millions – 21 May 2026
The article reports a Federal Court case involving Queensland’s container deposit scheme operator Container Exchange (COEX) and recycler U-Can Recycle, focusing on alleged unfair competition and governance issues within the “Containers for Change” system. The case could influence how recycling refund schemes are managed in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-21/container-exchange-u-can-recycle-federal-court-case/106642970
Prison term looms for ex-AFL footballer Nick Stevens as victims tell court of impact – 21 May 2026
Former AFL player Nick Stevens has appeared in court for a pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of multiple fraud-related charges. He was convicted of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, involving allegations that he accepted money from families for swimming pool construction work that was never completed or left unfinished, causing significant financial losses.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor police inquiry looks at ‘sexual misconduct and corruption’ in bombshell development – 22 May 2026
The article reports that British police say their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, is expected to be lengthy and complex as detectives examine allegations linked to misconduct in public office during his time as the UK’s trade envoy. The inquiry reportedly stems from material released in the Jeffrey Epstein files and now includes broader allegations involving possible sexual misconduct, corruption, and misuse of official information.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-police-inquiry-052624646.html
