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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 7 November 2025
Lawyers admission revoked, name struck from roll for dishonesty – 31 October 2025
A lawyer practising in the Law Society of the Northern Territory jurisdiction had her admission to the legal profession revoked, and her name struck from the roll of legal practitioners, because she breached her duty of candour. The Court found Patricia May Petersen lacked the “character, competence and temperament” to be admitted.
NSW mental health nurse disqualified after intimate relationship with patient – 1 November 2025
A former southern NSW mental health nurse has been found guilty of professional misconduct after taking a patient to an escape room and engaging in a years-long intimate relationship with him. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard Wagga Wagga Base Hospital nurse Dilnoor Kang should have been well aware of her patient’s vulnerability and that she exploited her position .The tribunal has disqualified Ms Kang from re-registering as a nurse for two years.
Big four consulting firms targeted by new Senate inquiry – 5 November 2025
The Australian Senate has launched a fresh inquiry into the major consulting firms focusing on how they provide services to government. This latest move comes amid growing concern about the structure, governance, transparency and influence of these firms in public work. There are concerns about large contracts awarded to them by the government and whether proper procurement, conflicts of interest and accountability frameworks are in place.
AI-tainted Deloitte report was worse than previously thought – 6 November 2025
The article highlights that the extent of the inaccuracies in the Deloitte AI report is broader than initially reported — e.g., multiple false or made-up references to academic work, and legal citations mis-attributed or entirely invented. The use of AI in drafting parts of the report raises significant questions about oversight: whether appropriate review, verification and validation were applied before publication. The errors go to the heart of credibility (legal, academic and governmental).
Strike off to come for solicitor who withdrew trust funds from criminal clients – 6 November 2025
A criminal-defence solicitor withdrew more than A$160,000 from a trust account without the knowledge or consent of her criminal-law clients. She has accepted a regulatory recommendation that her name be removed from the legal practitioners’ roll.
The funds were held in trust by her, and the withdrawals evidently breached the trust-account obligations and client trust.
Microsoft refund offer backfires – 6 November 2025
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleges that Microsoft misled about the availability of a cheaper “Classic” plan (without Copilot). Microsoft sent emails and blog posts which claimed subscribers had to accept the higher-priced AI-enabled plan or cancel. The classic-plan option was allegedly only disclosed when someone began cancelling. In response, they offered refunds to eligible users who switched back to the non-AI “Classic” plan. Some subscribers reported technical glitches in the refund process: e.g., the link provided in the email led to the wrong plan (personal rather than family) or didn’t allow the switching as promised.
Eddie Obeid, Ian Macdonald and Moses Obeid appeal convictions over corrupt coal licence deal in High Court – 6 November 2025
Former NSW Labor ministers Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald, along with Obeid’s son Moses, are appealing their 2021 corruption convictions, arguing the case against them lacked detail. They were found guilty of using Macdonald’s ministerial role to help secure a lucrative coal exploration licence linked to Obeid family land. The High Court will decide whether the convictions against them stand in a ruling that could close the long-running legal saga.
Australian regulator flags risks to retirement saving from advice on self-managed funds – 7 November 2025
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reviewed 100 cases of advice given to Australian clients regarding establishment of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). Of those 100 cases, 27 involved advice that ASIC deemed could pose “serious harm” to clients’ retirement savings. Reuters. Further, in about 62 % of the files (i.e., 62 of 100) the advice did not meet the legal duty to act in the client’s best interests.
Former NAB employee charged over alleged role in ‘highly sophisticated’ $200m fraud, money laundering syndicate – 7 November 2025
A former NAB employee, Timotius “Donny” Sungkar (36), has been charged over his alleged role in a criminal group dubbed the “Penthouse Syndicate”, which is suspected of committing large-scale fraud and money-laundering. Police allege that Sungkar used his position at NAB to facilitate fraudulent business loans (around A$10 million in one part of the scheme) and that the overall fraud by the syndicate may be “well over A$200 million” and could reach up to A$250 million.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 31 October 2025
WiseTech offices searched by AFP and ASIC over share trading allegations – 28 October 2025
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have raided a WiseTech office in Sydney. ASIC and the AFP executed a search warrant requiring the production of documents regarding alleged trading in WiseTech shares by co-founder Richard White and three WiseTech employees. WiseTech says it “intends to fully cooperate with any investigation.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-28/wisetech-office-searched-by-afp-asic/105941382
Son of prominent building industry figure charged over $6m extortion – 27 October 2025
The son of one of the most prominent figures in the building industry is facing extortion charges as part of a taskforce investigation into alleged corruption in the construction sector. Daniel Van Camp, 51, is one of three men due to face court this week following allegations he and two others were part of an extortion campaign that included making demands for $6.6 million in payments to secure union peace.
ASIC stop orders trigger almost $900m in redemptions from La Trobe – 29 October 2025
La Trobe Financial has experienced an almost 50 per cent jump in redemption requests from its high-interest term products over the past two months, after the corporate regulator’s damaging stop order tested confidence in the non-bank lender’s funds and model. The surprise move by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to block new investments in La Trobe’s funds on September 18 sparked concerns that it would be overwhelmed with withdrawal requests.
ATO sidelines official who pursued PwC over tax scandal – 29 October 2025
The man who led a probe into the leaking of confidential government information by PwC partners will be moved to another regulator in a more junior role, a shift that will disrupt multiple inquiries into the firm. Tax Practitioners Board chief executive Michael O’Neill will become a “specialist adviser” to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission from November 24, according to an all-staff email sent by Tax Commissioner Rob Heferen.
Digital access to AFR required to read full article
Meet the man leading AI’s charge in the legal industry – 29 October 2025
Automatise, the company behind litigation artificial intelligence program Cicero AI, is competing in the middle of an AI boom in the legal industry, which has been identified as ripe for disruption for its heavy reliance on painstaking, time-intensive and dreary manual processes such as document review. The technology works by lawyers uploading relevant documents to the software, and inputting questions relevant to the litigation. Cicero will pull out key events, facts and testimony which allows lawyers to build a case more quickly and identify key details that may sway the outcome of litigation.
Former Australian Signals Directorate employee accused of selling trade secrets to Russia by US prosecutors – 29 October 2025
An Australian man who was working for a US-based defence and cyber intelligence contractor has been accused of selling information to a Russian buyer. Multiple sources have told the ABC the accused man used to work for the Australian Signals Directorate, the national intelligence agency responsible for cyber security. The man’s case is due to return to a US court overnight.
Super giant admits it broke corporate law as it faces hefty fine – 29 October 2025
Superannuation giant Cbus has admitted it breached corporate law and agreed it should pay a $23.5 million fine in its bid to settle a landmark case over major delays in its handling of insurance claims.3In a case that put the super industry on notice, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission last year took Cbus to court, alleging “systemic” failures in its handling of death benefits and total and permanent disability insurance claims.
Hundreds of childcare abuse allegations laid bare in Victorian watchdog’s report – 29 October 2025
Almost 1,000 abuse and misconduct allegations were made against early childhood educators in the past year, according to a new report from the Commission for Children and Young People. The number of allegations has risen over the past three years. Hours after the report’s release, it was announced acting principal commissioner Meena Singh would step down from the commission’s top job.
Australian Defence Force changes definition of sexual-related offences in wake of landmark class action – 29 October 2025
The Australian Defence Force quietly changed its definition of sexual-related offences weeks before a landmark class action was launched. The action will allege servicewomen experienced widespread and systemic sexual violence, harassment and discrimination within the institution. Under the new definition, all sexual or sexual-related offences are classified as “violence” rather than “misconduct”.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-29/adf-changes-sexual-violence-definition-class-action/105943916
Man charged over alleged multi-million dollar ‘ghost car’ fraud scheme in Sydney – 30 October 2025
In Sydney, a 33-year-old man from Wakeley has been charged in connection with an alleged $7.3 million fraud and money-laundering network operating under Strike Force Myddleton. The syndicate is alleged to have used stolen personal information to apply for loans through automotive finance companies, supposedly to buy luxury “ghost cars” (that didn’t exist).
Regulator fines crypto ATM operator Cryptolink as part of crackdown that is too late for many – 30 October 2025
The financial crimes regulator has taken enforcement action against a second crypto ATM operator. AUSTRAC says crypto ATMs have emerged as a major money-laundering risk, with criminals using them to scam money from a growing number of mostly elderly victims. Banking and consumer advocates have called for a ban on crypto ATMs, which the federal government has so far ruled out, despite similar moves overseas.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 24 October 2025
Fourth largest telco confirms cybersecurity breach impacting 1600 Aussies – 19 October 2025
An Australian internet provider has reported “suspicious activity” as they become the latest telco to face a cybersecurity incident. Vocus, which is the parent company for Dodo and iPrimus, said in a statement that 1600 home internet and mobile customers had been affected by a hack on the businesses email and mobile services.
Myanmar military detains more than 2,000 people in cybercrime centre raid – 21 October 2025
More than 2,000 people have been detained after Myanmar’s military shut down a major online scam operation. It raided KK Park, a well-documented cybercrime centre as part of military operations to suppress online fraud, illegal gambling and cross-border cybercrime. The military also seized dozens of Starlink satellite internet terminals.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-21/myanmar-military-shuts-down-cybercrime-centre/105917612
The next NDIS’: Employers call for inquiry into $7 billion government scheme – 21 October 2025
Struggling Queensland business owners are calling for an inquiry into a $7 billion scheme they fear is allowing opportunistic employees to rake in hefty sums in shonky workers’ compensation claims. Employers Rodney Johnston and Rex Vegt claim they’ve been forced to hire private investigators to look into allegedly bogus Workcover Queensland claims filed by employees.
Insurer under scrutiny after $14m in bonuses awarded just before huge misconduct fine – 21 October 2025
It was revealed that senior Australian executives at Bupa received more than A$14 million in performance bonuses just months before the insurer admitted to misleading thousands of policy-holders about their entitlement to certain medical treatments. The timing of the bonuses has drawn scrutiny, as it appears the reward structure may have been out of step with customer outcomes and regulatory exposures.
Services Australia refers seven staff to federal prosecutors – 22 October 2025
Services Australia referred seven staff to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) for suspected internal fraud in the 2024-25 financial year, its latest annual report shows.
Digital version required to read full article
Advisor fights ban over billion dollar super collapse – 23 October 2025
Financial advisor Karina Ferris Merhi appeared in court fighting ASIC’s attempt to prevent him from providing financial advice during their investigation into the billion-dollar collapse of First Guardian and Shield investment schemes. Around 12,000 Australians lost over a billion dollars in retirement savings, with ASIC alleging Merhi netted millions in upfront advice fees by directing clients to invest their superannuation into the failed schemes. Court evidence revealed Merhi’s plans to restart his advisory business through ‘Venture Egg 2.0’ despite the ongoing probe.
eSafety commissioner demands transparency from AI chatbot companies – 23 October 2025
The eSafety Commissioner has sent four separate legal letters to AI chatbot companies, demanding answers regarding safety protocols following horrific cases that have surfaced overseas.
Misconduct that led Westpac to shut down RAMS revealed in court docs – 23 October 2025
New court documents reveal that Westpac’s mortgage-franchise brand RAMS Home Loans was subject to investigations for systemic failures and misconduct, leading Westpac to shut it down mid-last year.
Senior CFMEU official sacked over ‘accepting bribes’ – 23 October 2025
One of the most senior officials in the CFMEU Victoria branch, who was recently promoted by the union administration, has been fired over allegations that he took bribes and other corrupting benefits from labour hire firms. CFMEU administrator Mark Irving, KC, sent a message to Victorian delegates late on Thursday that Victorian branch co-ordinator John Perkovic’s role was no longer tenable due to “compelling” evidence of the allegations.
Digital version required to read full article
ADF facing landmark class action over alleged systemic sexual violence, harassment and discrimination – 24 October 2025
Brisbane-based law firm JGA Saddler anticipates thousands of women will ultimately form part of a landmark class action against the Australian Defence Force. The class action, which was officially launched in the Federal Court today, will allege widespread and systemic sexual violence, harassment and discrimination within the institution. It will operate on an opt-out basis, meaning all women who served from November 12, 2003 to May 25, 2025 will be automatically enrolled.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-24/adf-class-action-alleged-sexual-violence-harassment/105926114
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 17 October 2025
ASIC seeks compensation from Equity Trustees over Shield failure – 10 October 2025
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has updated its claim against Equity Trustees to seek compensation stemming from the losses incurred by investors due to the failure of the Shield Master Fund. The $480 million Shield scheme, which was available on the company’s superannuation investment platforms, was frozen in early 2024 amid the regulator’s concerns that it had not adequately disclosed its risks to investors.
‘Oversight was not followed’: Deloitte apologises for AI report – 12 October 2025
Deloitte Australia has apologised for the government report the firm had to reissue because it was found to include artificial intelligence-generated errors and will discipline personnel for failing to vet the material properly. The big four consulting firm, in its first public statement about the issue, conceded the errors “occurred from the use of AI” and said its “review and oversight processes” in the preparation of the report had not been followed
Legal experts warn housing reforms expose planning to corruption risks – 13 October 2025
Legal and environmental experts warn that a new housing reform bill in New South Wales could weaken planning safeguards and increase corruption risk. Concerns include broad ministerial powers, lack of transparency, and absence of anti-corruption safeguards. Some are calling for the bill to be reviewed by ICAC. https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/politics/legal-experts-warn-housing-reforms-expose-planning-to-corruption-risks/news-story/95481865b301dacfdda875efb76f8200
Frustration mounts among Qantas customers as personal data released on dark web – 13 October 2025
Qantas customers whose personal data was posted on the dark web have voiced their concerns and disappointment. Those affected now need to stay vigilant as a second wave of scams will follow, a cyber expert has warned. It is unclear whether Qantas is liable for any privacy law breaches amid speculation that the airline may face severe financial penalties.
As illicit tobacco sales rise into the billions, economist Arthur Laffer puts blame on high tobacco taxation rate – 14 October 2025
Arthur Laffer, an American economist renowned for the Laffer Curve, has recently criticized Australia’s escalating tobacco excise taxes, attributing them to a significant surge in illicit tobacco trade. He argues that such high taxation encourages consumers to seek cheaper, illegal alternatives, thereby diminishing government revenue and fueling organised crime. According to Australian Taxation Office data, the illicit tobacco market is estimated to constitute 18% of all tobacco consumed in the country, equating to approximately 1,656 tonnes in 2022–23. This amounts to an estimated $2.7 billion in evaded excise duty.
Bribery sentence over Victorian Building Authority registration scheme – 14 October 2025
Omer Yuksel, a builder and construction trainer, was sentenced after admitting involvement in a bribery scheme connected to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). The scheme involved referrals of students and payment for corrupt registration advantages
Access to digital version of Herald Sun required to read article
ASIC report halts ‘race to the bottom’ on Australian private credit – 15 October 2025
Some of Australia’s largest private credit managers say the corporate regulator’s critical report into the asset class will put the industry on a better footing, and ultimately protect investors from future losses. Andrew Schwartz, the chief executive of $9.5 billion real estate lender Qualitas, said he was “really welcoming” of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s October review into private credit.
Tax watchdog launches new probe into current and former PwC partners – 16 October 2025
The country’s tax watchdog is investigating current and former PwC partners for potential code breaches, prolonging the firm’s pain from its long-running scandal over the leaking of government information. The number of individuals and the nature of the Tax Practitioners Board’s inquiries are unclear, but the new probes are expected to be completed by next year. The regulator is also investigating senior figures from other major firms, according to people not authorised to discuss ongoing inquiries.
‘Conflicts of interest’ behind Australian parliamentary official’s $315k retirement payment, report finds – 16 October 2025
An independent “fact-finding mission” into a $315,126 retirement payment to a senior parliamentary department official has found “multiple procedural failures” including overpayment, a disregard for specialist advice and “excessive pressure” applied in the payment’s timing. The report by Sydney barrister Fiona Roughley SC, released Thursday, found there were “conflicts of interest” and “conflicted persons” within the Department of Parliamentary Services involved in the decision-making process.
‘We all have a role to play’: ASIC argues for whole of industry approach to misconduct – 16 October 2025
ASIC has made statements effectively acknowledging that financial misconduct can’t be completely eliminated, but advocates for stronger coordination across the financial services industry to reduce harm
Queensland’s 10-cent container refund scheme referred to crime and corruption commission – 16 October 2025
Ten allegations against Queensland’s container recycling scheme have been referred to the state’s corruption watchdog after a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday revealed allegations of bullying and conflicts of interest. A parliamentary committee revealed claims that the board coordinating the state’s Containers for Change is “dominated” by Coca-Cola and Lion, with several submissions to the inquiry claiming that the two beverage companies have an incentive to reduce the number of containers being recycled in order to lower their costs.
Warnings for explicit deepfakes, ‘image-based abuse’ amid rise of AI technology – 17 October 2025
A senior researcher has warned “99 per cent” of victims of online abuse are women. It comes as detectives look into reports that digitally altered explicit images using the faces of female students from a Sydney high school were circulated online. Police are continuing to investigate after parents reported the incident to Eastwood Police Station on Wednesday night.
