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.
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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.
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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.
