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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 25 July 2025
Wapu Sonk stands down from PNG NRL franchise board amid corruption allegations – 18 July 2025
A director of PNG’s new NRL franchise has stood down after it was revealed he allegedly tried to influence a Chinese state-run corporation to give a contract to his company. Wapu Sonk has not publicly commented on the allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape said Mr Sonk was “entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name”.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-18/wapu-sonk-stand-down-png-nrl-corruption-allegations/105547490
Cambodian elites complicit in cybercrime despite latest government crackdown, experts warn – 18 July 2025
Cambodian authorities have launched a crackdown on cybercrime making more than 1,000 arrests in the past week.
Police raided cybercrime compounds across at least five provinces and arrested people from across Asia. A transnational crime expert says the operation was a performative exercise and there is no evidence the government is serious about tackling the illicit industry.
Malaysian fugitive Jho Low allegedly using fake Australian passport while living in China – 20 July 2025
Investigative reporters responsible for exposing the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal say they have located the alleged mastermind in China. Jho Low is reportedly using a forged Australian passport. The federal government says use of a false Australian passport can attract a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a $330,000 fine.
Cyber security expert outlines the scams Qantas customers can expect after data breach – 21 July 2025
A cyber security expert has warned Qantas customers are still in danger of sophisticated financial scams even though no credit card or passport information was compromised in the recent data leak. Qantas admitted 5.7 million passenger details were stolen in a data breach on June 30 from a call centre in Manila. The airline has been open and transparent about the breach and detailed the broke down the information that was taken including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and Frequent Flyer numbers.
Dodgy operators put on notice as AUSTRAC targets new tranche of industries for financial crimes – 22 July 2025
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has outlined new plans to reduce the harms from serious financial crime, and says it is turning its focus to a renewed push on enforcement. AUSTRAC has released its regulatory priorities for the 2025-26 financial year, showing it is preparing to regulate “tranche 2” industries and targeting gaps in high-risk sectors such as cash and digital currencies. Tranche 2 includes real estate agents, lawyers, conveyancers, accountants, trust and company service providers, dealers in precious metals and stones, and other designated service providers. It refers to a set of proposed reforms that will extend Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations.
Inside Employment podcast series – Investigations, Part 1 – What’s the fuss with whistleblowing investigations? – 22 July 2025
In part one of this podcast the technical and legal dimensions of workplace investigations are discussed, with a spotlight on whistleblowing. Together, Tony Wood and Lucy Boyd explore how clients can navigate the complexities of internal complaints, regulatory obligations and reputational risks. They spend time discussing the overall trend towards greater transparency, for example through positive duty obligations and shareholder activism, and how this is reshaping how organisations respond to complaints and how they conduct investigations.
Banks, mules and government fools let scammers run free in Australia – 22 July 2025
Dr Kim Sawyer explains in this article that behind every scam that robs Australians blind, is a system that protects the banks, ignores the victims and enables the crime. Australia has been a soft target due to retirees with superannuation. Australia has also been a soft target because regulators were too slow to act and banks were unwilling to share liability. All that the international crime syndicates needed were middlemen within Australia to set up companies to launder the money and mules with accounts to be used for money laundering, and a system that protected them.
Reform of Australia’s electronic surveillance framework – 22 July 2025
Australia’s laws governing electronic surveillance are undergoing major reform. The reform aims to establish clear laws to enable law enforcement and intelligence agencies to access information in response to serious crime and threats to national security. The laws will:
• protect privacy;
• promote transparency; and
• be explicit for agencies, oversight bodies, industry and the public.
Macquarie Group-backed ATM provider begins removing machines from suspected illegal tobacco stores – 24 July 2025
An ABC investigation found ATM companies were cutting deals with tobacco criminals and installing their machines in illegal cigarette shops. Now Macquarie Group-backed Next Payments is removing more than 40 of its machines from suspected illegal tobacco stores, after the company said it had not previously been aware of the extent of the issue. The company’s CEO said the ABC had highlighted the “size and rapid spread” of the issue.
Tearful ICAC witness recalls ‘very improper’ meeting with transport official – 24 July 2025
A traffic controller has told the corruption watchdog he would pass kickbacks “under the table” at a Western Sydney restaurant. The kickbacks would eventually see a government worker allegedly net more than $11 million over 15 years. Subject of the inquiry, Transport for NSW staffer Ibrahim Helmy, is missing and wanted on a warrant to appear before the commissioner.
FCA maintains its focus on non-financial misconduct – 25 July 2025
The FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) says that serious non-financial misconduct (NFM) such as bullying, harassment and violence is a matter of regulatory concern, not just for banks, but for all regulated financial services firms and their staff. With the long awaited release of a policy statement and a further consultation opens in a new tab on “tackling non-financial misconduct in financial services”, the FCA has re-emphasised its expectation of financial services firms to foster healthy and inclusive workplace cultures that empower staff to speak up and raise concerns.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 18 July 2025
Fraud has evolved – has your organisation – 11 July 2025
At this year’s 36th ACFE Global Fraud Conference, one message was clear: fraud risk is accelerating, and many organisations are not adapting fast enough. The modern fraud landscape is increasingly shaped by digital behaviour. Offenders are exploiting remote and hybrid work environments, leveraging AI to create synthetic identities and deepfakes, and taking advantage of employee behaviour patterns that don’t show up in traditional monitoring systems. In this environment, simply relying on transactional analytics is not enough. Detection must also consider context and behavioural cues.
Fraud case ends broker’s career in permanent ASIC ban – 12 July 2025
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has permanently banned Jason Damien Prasad, a former insurance broker operating in New South Wales, after he was convicted of fraud-related offences. The regulatory action, which took effect on July 3, follows Prasad’s conviction for dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
Liquidator probes transfer of Queensland government funds to bank account of Cryptoloc Holdings founder Jamie Wilson – 14 July 2025
Liquidators are probing the transfer of $1.55 million from cybersecurity company Cryptoloc to the private account of its founder, Jamie Wilson. The company was wound down late last year, months after winning a lucrative $15 million Queensland government cybersecurity contract. The liquidators’ investigation is continuing and Customer Services and Open Data Minister Steven Minnikin says an audit is underway into the cybersecurity tender process.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-14/qld-liquidators-probe-cryptoloc-cybersecurity/105509012
Pensioner takes NAB to Supreme Court over $1,338 in fraudulent transactions – 14 July 2025
Ian Williams has spent an enormous amount of time studying Australian banks’ obligations while representing himself in court. Williams said the reason he was suing for the vast amount of $380 million was because he believed NAB demonstrated “a systemic abuse of power”, knowledge of his vulnerability, “and deliberate disregard for fair dealing”. Williams claimed the bank:
• Failed to secure his banking credentials and transaction data.
• Failed to use its fraud detection protocols, which he said would have flagged the two transactions as fraudulent.
• Breached its duty to “protect customers from unauthorised transactions”.
• Failed to comply with the ASIC ePayments Code by not conducting a fair and transparent investigation or reasons for its decision to not pay Williams back.
The matter has progressed to the Supreme Court.
Victims of collapsed First Guardian, Shield may lose more than $700m – 16 July 2025
The regulator is investigating if First Guardian and Shield had disclosed the risks to their investors properly, many of whom were signed up via lead generators and high-pressure sales calls. While Shield promised diversified assets and better returns than industry super funds, ASIC believes it and trustee Keystone Asset Management actually held risky, illiquid assets. Compensation for thousands of consumers could reach $300 million, despite almost $1 billion in superannuation being at risk between the two entities.
Cybersecurity strategist explains ‘ghost tapping’ credit card scam – 16 July 2025
Cybersecurity strategist Eward Driehuis explains how ‘ghost tapping’ credit card fraud works and what can be done to avoid falling victim to the scam. The fraud involves making a digital copy of a stolen credit card on a criminal phone using an Apple or Google wallet, before laundering the victim’s money by purchasing and re-selling gift card.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWWYMyBjf9Y
EPA secures enforceable undertaking with concrete company following investigation – 16 July 2025
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has agreed to a $100,000 Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with Reinforced Concrete Pipes Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd (RCPA), following an investigation into unlicensed concrete works at its Somersby facility. The EPA began investigating RCPA when the company applied for an Environment Protection Licence in December 2022 and discovered it had produced more than 30,000 tonnes of steel-reinforced concrete pipes annually between 2018 and 2022, without a licence. The scale and duration of the unlicensed activity raised serious concerns as RCPA operated for several years without formal monitoring of dust, water pollution or noise.
I transferred $1.6 million into a scammer’s bank account. I don’t blame myself for it – 16 July 2025
Harriet Spring thought she was doing all the right things to set up her and her four sisters’ financial future. One phone call changed the fate of her family’s $1.6 million inheritance. The term deposit account she transferred the $1.6 million into was ‘mule’ account used by criminals to move money around. She was told that only $232 was all that was left. The police arrested the criminals who ran the mule accounts, but that won’t bring the money back. Harriet believes it was her personal failure but a system failure that is just getting worse as AI gets better.
Private ATMs in tobacco shops face being cut off from payment network EFTEX following ABC investigation – 17 July 2025
Payment processing company EFTEX will stop facilitating transactions from ATMs situated inside tobacco stores and other “high-risk” businesses. It comes after an ABC investigation revealed major private ATM suppliers were targeting the illegal tobacco industry. Financial crime expert Neil Browne says it is a “step in the right direction,” and he would like to see more payment providers follow suit.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-17/tobacconist-atms-cut-off-payment-networks-eftex/105539942
Crypto ATM providers to meet minimum standards – 17 July 2025
AUSTRAC is placing conditions on cryptocurrency ATM providers to help reduce their exposure to money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crimes.
CEO Brendan Thomas says a cryptocurrency taskforce found some providers have not been complying with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws.
“Some of them are not taking the right steps to understand their customers and risks, or they’re not reporting to us”.
And with around 150,000 transactions every year moving close to $275 million, this is a serious concern.”
https://www.austrac.gov.au/crypto-atm-providers-meet-minimum-standards
Samsung boss cleared of fraud by South Korea’s top court – 17 July 2025
Samsung boss Lee Jae-yong has been cleared by South Korea’s top court of fraud charges, concluding a years-long legal battle over his role in a 2015 merger deal. Lee, the grandson of Samsung’s founder and the de facto head of the company since 2014, had been accused of using stock and accounting fraud to try to gain control of the firm.
In its final verdict, the Supreme Court in Seoul upheld a not guilty verdict, after Lee was acquitted of all charges in two earlier trials. The case drew widespread scrutiny of the technology giant, as the country grapples with corporate corruption scandals involving its powerful family-run conglomerates known as chaebols.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgj04nw19zo
Big banks warn businesses of Kimberley scam cluster – 17 July 2025
Two of Australia’s major banks are warning regional customers that sophisticated phone scammers are impersonating bank employees. The East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it has received reports of a “cluster” of fake calls targeting businesses in Kununurra, in Western Australia’s north. NAB and Westpac banks are urging people to report any suspicious behaviour.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-17/bank-scammers-target-kimberley-businesses/105529024
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 11 July 2025
ADF whistleblower breaks 15-year silence on sexual abuse cover-up – 7 July 2025
Women who speak up about sexual abuse and harassment should be supported, not silenced. Unfortunately, Australian laws are failing people who blow the whistle. On 60 Minutes and 9Fairfax, multiple women spoke about abuse in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including Julia Delaforce who shared that in 2010 she was sexually harassed at knifepoint in a NSW military base by a drunken, machete-wielding senior male corporal. She was then instructed by her superiors to drive her assailant home. The Human Rights Law Centre’s Whistleblower Project is Australia’s first dedicated legal service to help people come forward and speak out when they witness or experience wrongdoing and harm. They also advocate for stronger laws and a National Whistleblower Protection Authority.
https://www.hrlc.org.au/updates/adf-whistleblower-breaks-15-year-silence-on-sexual-abuse-cover-up/
Media monitoring firm iSentia accused of tax evasion by Thai police – 8 July 2025
Thai police arrested the former Asia chief executive of iSentia, David Liu, in June over suspected tax evasion of up to 5.2 million baht ($246,000). He denied wrongdoing, the Bangkok Post reported. iSentia says the proceedings are “without foundation” and it is confident they will be dismissed. This was two months after the major media monitoring provider signed a lucrative contract with the Australian Taxation Office.
Why that ‘local’ store closing down sale might be a total scam – 8 July 2025
Australians are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated online shopping scams known as “ghost stores”: fake websites designed to look like legitimate retailers, often selling high-end fashion at attractive prices. These sites are powered by AI, built to mimic genuine e-commerce platforms with polished branding, glowing fake reviews, and seamless checkout experiences. The consumer watchdog estimates it has received at least 360 reports about 60 online retailers since the start of 2025.
A Whistleblower Protection Authority for Australia – 9 July 2025
Polling conducted by The Australia Institute in collaboration with the Human Rights Law Centre and Whistleblower Justice Fund shows that 84% of Australians support the introduction of a Whistleblower Protection Authority, and only 5% oppose. As recognised by whistleblowing experts, the Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No.2) would represent a step forward for whistleblower protections, and the integrity arm of government more broadly.
https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/a-whistleblower-protection-authority-for-australia/
German arrested on Koh Phangan for investment fraud targeting Australians – 9 July 2025
A 54-year-old German has been arrested on Koh Phangan for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme targeting investors in Australia. Police found scripted dialogue used to dupe investors in Australia into making fake stock investments and detailed records of victims. Muang police station in Pathum Thani have undertaken the legal processing on the fraud charges. Surat Thani police would bring additional charges against him under the Foreign Business Act, Pol.
Police seeking ‘piranhas’ involved in $3 million blessing scams – 9 July 2025
Seven “predators” are believed to have fled to China after robbing huge amounts of money” and jewellery in a so-called spiritual blessings scam in NSW. Spiritual blessing scams are where victims are coerced into placing cash and jewellery in a bag, and told the bag needs to be blessed by a spiritual healer before it is returned empty. Two people have been charged in Australia and a third is in custody in New Zealand, the force added, after more than 80 instances of the scam in Sydney, with more than $3 million in cash and valuables stolen.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/police-seeking-piranhas-involved-in-3m-blessing-scams/zfy6xdh50
Former radio host sues over 2012 royal prank – 9 July 2025
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is facing legal action from a former radio host who was involved in a controversial royal prank call back in 2012. Michael Christian is suing SCA under the Fair Work Act, the Corporations Act as a whistleblower, and under Common Law for breach of contract. Christian is now suing the network, accusing SCA of not immediately taking public accountability for the incident and allegedly leaving him and Mel Greig (the other radio host) to be the “scapegoats”, according to a statement from his lawyers. The former host claims he was assured by SCA that his career would be protected and restored if he remained silent. Instead, he alleges, his former employer was “gradually marginalising” him within the business over the past 13 years.
CBA worker fired over alleged fraudulent transactions disputes sacking – 9 July 2025
A Commonwealth Bank employee has sought to dispute the termination of his employment, claiming that the major bank unfairly dismissed him. The worker alleges that he was fired after raising two disputes pertaining to his personal bank account, which is assigned with CBA. According to the worker, CBA accused him of making “false disputes in an attempt to gain financial benefit”. He claimed that he made these disputes purely as a customer of the bank – submitted that it had nothing to do with his ongoing employment.
Parents of Klemzig early learning centre speak out amid investigation – 9 July 2025
Some parents say they have no concerns with an Adelaide early learning site at the centre of an investigation while others are considering removing their children.
The Little Shining Stars Early Learning Centre said it had amended some of its policies and procedures.
The Education Standards Board has also listed a handful of childcare centres and a school for failing to comply with different provisions of the national regulations.
Junior doctor charged after camera found in staff bathroom at Melbourne hospital – 10 July 2025
Victorian detectives have charged a trainee surgeon with stalking after his colleagues found a camera allegedly recording them in a staff toilet at a major Melbourne hospital. The junior doctor, who is employed at The Austin Hospital, is also charged with using an optical surveillance device, after investigators raided his home in Heidelberg West.
Defence accuses ex-detective of bungled investigation into Gareth Ward assault allegations – 10 July 2025
The former detective who led a sexual assault investigation into NSW MP Gareth Ward has admitted to breaching a court order by arriving hours late to give evidence, prompting sharp criticism from the defence. He was also grilled over investigative delays and accused by the defence of failing to pursue key lines of inquiry. The former officer’s cross-examination is expected to continue.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-10/gareth-ward-trial-detective-cross-examination/105518436
TikTok investigated by European regulators over users’ personal data being stored in China – 10 July 2025
The European data regulator has opened another investigation into social media platform TikTok. The Data Protection Commission said the video sharing platform admitted to holding “limited” personal data of European users on servers in China. TikTok told AFP in May that it had notified the regulator of an issue regarding personal data transfers.
Port Douglas front and centre in huge national super fund investigation – 10 July 2025
Port Douglas is at the heart of a significant national investigation into the Shield Master Fund, a superannuation investment scheme that has allegedly misused hundreds of millions of dollars. ASIC is leading one of its largest inquiries, involving approximately 40 specialist investigators, into the fund’s operations. The investigation centers on the planned $300 million Fairmont Resort in Port Douglas, which, despite never receiving approval from the Douglas Shire Council and remaining in the pre-development stage, reportedly received over $100 million in loans from the Shield Master Fund before its collapse in 2024.
Fraud, friction, and the future: Prioritising trust in a high-stakes market – 11 July 2025
Because of rising regulatory scrutiny, growing public vigilance regarding digital threats, and fast-evolving technologies, finding ways to establish consumer trust has become a key topic in Australia’s boardroom. According to our 2025 Safety in numbers report that outlines trust and safety investment trends, Australian business leaders are “walking the talk”, with 52% saying they intend to significantly increase their investment in fraud detection over the next 12 months. Paper outlines the new initiatives or corporates are undertaking.
Alleged sex offender Joshua Dale Brown filled in as cook at childcare centre just days before police charges – 11 July 2025
A Melbourne childcare worker filled in as a cook and prepared meals for children just days before police charged him with contaminating food with his bodily fluids, along with dozens of sex offences. Mr Brown is now facing more than 70 charges.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 4 July 2025
Financial consultant ordered to live with parents before trial over sexual assaults, bad cheques – 27 June 2025
Mark Steven Sarian pleaded not guilty to 49 charges, including 38 counts of sexual intercourse without consent. He is accused of paying sex workers with dishonoured cheques and failed bank transfers. Mr Sarian was handed strict bail conditions including to not leave his parents’ home unless for reasons such as work, medical or legal appointments.
Police sound alarm after scams using cryptocurrency ATMs send Australians to the wall – 29 June 2025
Police are sounding the alarm across the country, including in the ACT, and warning of scams involving the use of cryptocurrency ATMs. Over 2024, the Australian Signals Directorate’s ReportCyber received 150 reports about cryptocurrency ATM-related scams, with losses exceeding $3 million.
ASIC’s banning actions against advisers in FY25 – 30 June 2025
With a busy financial year, ASIC took action against numerous individuals during the period, including permanent banning’s and enforcement action against dishonest conduct. Article summaries the ASIC banning activity during the financial year.
Fair Work non-compliance rife among farm labour providers in Adelaide Hills and Riverland – 30 June 2025
A Fair Work Ombudsman report has found “several” Adelaide Hills labour hire providers have not paid workers’ their superannuation. The report also found 92 per cent of labour hire providers audited in South Australia were non-compliant.
Agencies involved in a task force investigating illegal “phoenix” businesses are continuing their investigations.
Man facing trial for hundreds of fraud charges allegedly committed against quadriplegic friend – 1 July 2025
A trial has heard a man with quadriplegia was devastated when he realised his bank account had nothing in it, after an alleged fraud by a friend. Jonathan Maher is facing hundreds of charges after he allegedly took the money from the man’s account — some as cash and some in purchases. Mr Maher’s trial is continuing in the ACT Supreme Court.
Creating a federal whistleblower authorit for public interest disclosures – 1 July 2025
Public interest disclosure needs more than principles — it needs protection. The recently released report from Transparency International Australia, the Human Rights Law Centre and Griffith University, ‘A Fair Go for Speaking Up: Design Principles for Australia’s Federal Whistleblower Authority’, is a sore reminder about the critical absence of an agency able to aid those interested in making public interest disclosures.
Fresh DNA’ sparks investigation into 1987 murder of Bundaberg taxi driver Bryan Hodgkinson – 2 July 2025
Queensland police are offering a $500,000 reward for information into the cold case murder of Bundaberg taxi driver Bryan Hodgkinson, with fresh DNA evidence leading to a new line of inquiry. Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said Hodgkinson’s murder can still be solved, “irrespective of the passage of time” due to ‘new and enhanced forensic testing of exhibits seized’.
Treasury prepares to crack down on audit firms, with or without ASIC – 2 July 2025
Treasury is considering handing the corporate regulator the power to punish major audit and consulting firms for the first time, as part of a crackdown on the sector proposed after PwC was caught circulating confidential government tax details to promote its services.
UK Crown Prosecution Service considers further charges against killer nurse Lucy Letby – 3 July 2025
Prosecutors are considering bringing further charges against nurse Lucy Letby over allegations relating to deaths and other incidents at hospitals where she worked. Letby, 35, is serving life in jail after being found guilty of murdering seven newborns and attempting to kill eight more at a neonatal unit in a hospital in nothern England. Police said they were investigating whether she had committed further crimes, and the Crown Prosecution Service said it was now examining the evidence.
Australian banks roll out name-matching technology to combat scams – 3 July 2025
To curb rising scam threats, Australian banks have begun the rollout of the industry-wide security feature Confirmation of Payee (CoP), a name-matching solution designed to reduce fraud and mistaken payments. The initiative, developed by Australian Payments Plus (AP+), forms part of the Australian Banking Association’s (ABA) Scam-Safe Accord. Under the system, customers entering a BSB and account number during a payment transaction will be shown whether the name they have entered matches the one held by the receiving bank. This added verification step is designed to flag inconsistencies before funds are transferred.
First Guardian collapse leaves thousands at risk of losing super as ASIC freezes director assets – 4 July 2025
A Melbourne man, was contacted by a financial advisory company called Venture Egg, which convinced him to roll his super savings from ANZ into a super fund called AusPrac. He then found out his super money was being channelled into “a cash hub” controlled by the directors of a managed investment scheme, called First Guardian Master Fund. He is now among 6,000 Australians who invested $590 million with First Guardian, which collapsed earlier this year, and which is currently under investigation by the corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Qantas executives slow to be seen after data breach affecting up to 6 million customers – 4 July 2025
More than 6 million Qantas customers received a personalised email, signed by the chief executive, informing them that cyber criminals had scaled the company’s defences. The first email outlined fears that the airline’s database containing personal information had been hacked and, your name might be on it. For those receiving the follow-up email, it was confirmation their name, email, phone number and frequent flyer number had also been unlawfully accessed.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-03/naus_qantascybernr_0307/105491200
