UK police assessing sexual misconduct claims against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – 22 May 2026
The article reports that UK police say their investigation into King Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is expected to be lengthy and complex due to allegations involving misconduct in public office, corruption, and alleged sexual misconduct connected to his former role as Britain’s trade envoy. Investigators are reviewing information from multiple witnesses, coordinating with US authorities over material linked to Jeffrey Epstein, and examining claims involving misuse of government information and inappropriate conduct dating back more than a decade. Police stated the inquiry is being treated as a major investigation and may expand further as additional information emerges. Andrew denies wrongdoing and has not been charged, while King Charles has said the royal family will cooperate fully with authorities.
Fund manager Rodney Forrest re-sentenced to five years and three months’ jail following insider trading appeal – 22 May 2026
Rodney Forrest was re-sentenced by the Full Federal Court to five years and three months in prison for insider trading offences involving more than $3 million worth of shares in Platinum Asset Management. His original six-year sentence was reduced by nine months following an appeal. The case involved Forrest: secretly accessing confidential takeover documents from Regal Partners; photographing inside information relating to a proposed takeover of Platinum Asset Management; buying Platinum shares before the information became public; encouraging others to trade using the same information; and leaking details to the media.
NACC boss Paul Brereton resigns, amid pressure over misconduct, defence ties – 25 May 2026
Brereton announced he would step down effective 6 July 2026, saying the intense focus on him personally had become a distraction from the NACC’s work. The controversy centred on: his ongoing advisory relationship with the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF); questions about conflicts of interest; and whether he properly separated his Defence roles from his anti-corruption responsibilities.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-25/nacc-chief-paul-brereton-resigns-amid-defence-ties/106719370
Federal Court orders Westpac to pay $26 million penalty for hardship failures – 27 May 2026
Westpac has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $26 million penalty after ASIC found serious failures in how the bank handled customers experiencing financial hardship. ASIC alleged the bank failed to properly process hardship applications and did not adequately support vulnerable customers, breaching financial services laws. The case forms part of ASIC’s broader crackdown on misconduct in the banking sector.
Shield Fraud victims face delays as AFCA halts Interprac findings – 28 May 2026
The collapse of the Shield and First Guardian investment schemes continues to generate fallout after the Australian Financial Complaints Authority paused final compensation rulings linked to thousands of investor complaints. More than 11,000 Australians allegedly lost around $1.1 billion in retirement savings. ASIC is investigating the role of advisers and licensees connected to the schemes. InterPrac, one of the advisory groups involved, has challenged AFCA decisions in court and reportedly refused to pay some compensation orders.
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New book reveals ICAC’s briefs to DPP delayed years – 28 May 2026
A new book on Australia’s anti-corruption bodies has raised concerns about long delays by the NSW ICAC in referring cases for prosecution. Critics argue the commission has drifted from criminal corruption investigations into broader “morals tribunal” territory, potentially weakening confidence in the system.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/how-icac-became-a-morals-tribunal-that-now-hinders-the-justice-system/news-story/e0d36db193329d322b878e373f5fbaa0
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The Crime and Corruption Commission has concluded its investigation into the failed appointment of a chief health officer – 28 May 2026
The CCC examined concerns surrounding the attempted appointment of infectious diseases expert Dr Krispin Hajkowicz to the Chief Health Officer role. The controversy arose after reports of political interference, internal disagreements, and leaked information connected to the recruitment process.
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ASIC warns PwC may claim privilege in CTM audit probe – 29 May 2026
Australia’s corporate regulator ASIC is intensifying its investigation into Corporate Travel Management and former auditor PwC over allegations involving more than $240 million in overcharging, including contracts linked to the UK government. PwC may attempt to claim legal professional privilege over some documents, which could complicate the investigation. The scandal has already resulted in the resignation of CTM founder Jamie Pherous and suspension of the company from ASX trading.
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CEO Andrew Yates resigns over whistleblower audit scandal – 29 May 2026
CEO Andrew Yates resigned following whistleblower allegations involving audit integrity breaches and misuse of confidential information. The allegations include: audit staff allegedly accessing confidential competitor documents; potential insider information misuse to win contracts; governance failures involving senior executives; and concerns about auditor independence.
