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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 9 June 2025
A-League soccer player among those charged as Victoria Police allege betting corruption – 1 June 2025
Police have charged two men they allege engaged in cheating relating to betting involving A-League soccer games.
A Western United player is one of those charged.
The pair have been released on bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 31.
AFP places caveat on alleged fraudster’s home – 2 June 2025
The AFP Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce registered a restraining caveat last week over the title of the Dural abode of pharmacist Ben Huynh. It was the first time the AFP had lodged a caveat since the late 2023 arrest of the veteran pharmacist arising from allegations he had engaged in fraud since 2014 relating to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Police allege the pharmacist submitted false claims for medications.
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/afp-places-caveat-on-alleged-fraudsters-6m-home/
Report calls for tougher workplace surveillance controls – 2 June 2025
Australian employers are monitoring employees, frequently without workers’ knowledge or consent, according to a new report. And when workers do know about surveillance, there is little they can do about it. Laws have not kept pace, producing negative impacts for workers and workplaces.A Labor-chaired Victorian parliamentary inquiry has released a report on workplace surveillance and the need for more effective national regulation.
Abusers ‘weaponising’ child support – 3 June 2025
Australia’s child support system is being weaponised by financial abuse that is ‘amplified’ by Services Australia, according to a Commonwealth Ombudsman’s investigation released. More than $1.9 billion dollars in child support is unpaid and the ombudsman is calling for new legislation to ensure this money goes to the one million children who rely on it.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-03/abusers-weaponising-child-support/105369812
This Filipino woman struck a blow against Australian businesses ‘exploiting’ offshore workers – 3 June 2025
Joanna Pascua, a paralegal in the Philippines working remotely for an Australian business, has challenged her dismissal in the Fair Work Commission. The commission has found she was entitled to Australian workplace protections. Lawyers say the ruling confirms the risk Australian companies could face legal claims, including class actions, from offshore workers.
Crypto ATMs increasingly used for scams and money laundering – 3 June 2025
Australians are losing millions of dollars each year to scams linked to cryptocurrency ATMs, with $3 million lost in 12 months. Financial crime and money-laundering regulator AUSTRAC has announced new controls on crypto ATM operators, including $5,000 transaction limits. The rapid growth of crypto ATMs has outpaced regulation, with the machines increasingly used for illicit purposes, AUSTRAC says.
Government fraudster slapped with prison sentence – 3 June 2025
Paolo Esmaquel, has landed herself with an imprisonment sentence for offending the federal and state governments by committing tax fraud, identity and counterfeiting fraud and social security fraud. it was alleged that she had dishonestly obtained $51,464 and attempted to claim a further $12,093 by lodging 10 fraudulent business activity statements using three different identities. In addition to this, Esmaquel allegedly supplied information to the TPB to register as a tax agent and gained access to ATO systems, before linking unsuspecting taxpayers to her profile without their consent.
https://www.accountingtimes.com.au/profession/government-fraudster-slapped-with-prison-sentence
ASIC sues Westpac’s RAMS over alleged systemic misconduct writing home loans – 4 June 2025
Westpac-owned RAMS has been sued for breaches within its home loan business, including staff faking pay slips and lying on mortgage applications. RAMS has admitted liability for the misconduct and remediated customers. ASIC is seeking penalties, which will be determined by the Federal Court.
Mourners gather outside NT parliament after Kumanjayi White’s death in custody – 4 June 2025
Hundreds of mourners have gathered outside NT Parliament to stand with the family and community of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White, who died in police custody in Alice Springs. Members of Mr White’s Yuendumu community have repeatedly called for an independent investigation into his death. The vigil marked the start of a “national week of action”, with more planned for cities across the country.
Crypto ATM provider Harro’s Empires boss lost life savings, separated from partner over distress from AUSTRAC crackdown – 4 June 2025
(AUSTRAC) has refused to renew the registration of Adelaide-based Harro’s Empires, which owned and provided crypto ATMs, and forced limits on other providers over mounting concerns of scam, frauds and illegal activity. Aussies have reported losing $3 million on scams involving crypto ATMS over the past 12 months, with AUSTRAC raising concerns that older Australians were disproportionately targeted.
Italian osteopath practising in Canberra sexually assaulted patient, civil tribunal finds – 5 June 2025
The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) has found an osteopath engaged in serious professional misconduct in Canberra in 2022. Italian citizen Daniele Caminiti was found to have sexually assaulted a patient before boarding a flight to Italy just days after his workplace began an investigation and a subsequent police report was made. Mr Caminiti’s registration as a health practitioner in Australia has been cancelled but ACAT says the osteopath is practising in Italy.
Barrister leaves profession following disciplinary action on broken promises – 5 June 2025
Alan Walter Sandbach admitted to unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct with respect to his work on a brief and agreed to a penalty of a reprimand and a prohibition on applying for another practising certificate for a year.
Australian and NZ anti-corruption bosses embroiled in ‘chaos’ at ICAC PNG – 6 June 2025
The three bosses of Papua New Guinea’s ICAC have accused each other of criminal activity, including suspected corruption and abuse of power. A warrant has been issued for the Australian commissioner’s arrest, while he has accused his two deputies of misconduct and referred them to police. Staff say the feud between the three commissioners has left the organisation “completely dysfunctional” and on the edge of collapse.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 30 May 2025
Investigation finds NT ICAC gave ‘unwelcome attention’ to female staff – 26 May 2025
The Northern Territory government has released a redacted extract of findings from an investigation into workplace misconduct by former Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) Michael Riches. Mr Riches rejected the allegations but the investigator found it was “unlikely” all 17 staff who came forward “had an axe to grind” or were colluding or acting in bad faith. Mr Riches resigned from his post earlier this month with Greg Shanahan continuing as acting ICAC.
NSW police commissioner cleared of misconduct over alleged leaking of Bondi victim’s name – 27 May 2025
Outgoing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been cleared of a misconduct allegation related to the Bondi Junction stabbing. She was accused of releasing the name of victim Dawn Singleton to former talkback host Ray Hadley on the day of the attack. Singleton’s mother condemned Commissioner Webb’s alleged actions via a statement to the coronial inquest.
Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in PBS fraud probe of Sydney pharmacist – 27 May 2025
A collection of exotic vehicles has been seized from a New South Wales pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. A Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has seized more than $20 million in assets from the 58-year-old pharmacist, who is alleged to have made false claims between 2014 and 2023 with a value of more than $10 million.
18 people charged in GST fraud scheme, Operation Uniform Galician – 27 May 2025
Detectives from the Far Northern Major and Organised Crime Squad have charged 18 people with 223 Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud offences. Operation Uniform Galician was launched in the Far North in 2022, to investigate several people involved in a number of large-scale deceptions against government agencies and financial institutions where they provided false details in order to receive fraudulent payments. It will be alleged these individuals collectively defrauded the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) of in excess of $2 million.
Whistleblower protections failed ‘superhero’ Richard Boyle, calls grow for urgent reforms – 28 May 2025
Richard Boyle has faced the heavy price of being a whistleblower in Australia. The law suggests that if you blow the whistle on wrongdoing, you will be protected. But, in Boyle’s case, it didn’t protect him. Nor did the federal government, which could have, at any stage, requested the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) drop all the charges against Boyle. The article explains how the case calls for urgent whistleblower reforms.
‘Staff too fearful to speak out’: Cosmetic surgery sector is a work in progress – 28 May 2025
Nearly four years after a landmark media investigation sparked outrage and long overdue reforms, Australia’s multi-billion-dollar cosmetic surgery industry remains a work in progress. Key legal cases are still dragging on, a regulatory investigation is ongoing and the system is far from fixed.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-28/cosmetic-surgery-concerns-class-action-advertising/105341776
Defence casts doubts over police investigation into Erin Patterson’s deadly mushroom lunch – 29 May 2025
Erin Patterson’s defence lawyers have argued police failed to seize a number of electronic items at her home during a search after the deadly mushroom lunch. Ms Patterson is accused of murder and attempted murder but has maintained her innocence. Leading Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall is expected to return to the stand.
Woman charged as police find explosives, chemicals and detonators in Cranbourne home – 29 May 2025
A Cranbourne woman has been charged with a range of offences after police allegedly discovered 15kg of explosives at her Melbourne home. Zarna Barbar has also been charged with the trafficking of an industrial solvent and the theft of a car. The 26-year-old was already facing trafficking charges stemming from a prior raid in November last year.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-29/police-find-explosives-cranbourne-woman-charged/105352064
Auditor-general finds there ‘could have been fraud’ at government-owned entity DevelopmentWA – 29 May 2025
A report by WA’s auditor-general has found fraud could have occurred at government-owned land and property developer DevelopmentWA between 2017 and 2022. The audit was conducted to determine whether fraud identified within the Department of Communities by the Corruption and Crime Commission could be occurring at the government’s land developer. The probe was partially sparked by the conviction of former public servant Paul Whyte, who stole millions of taxpayer dollars.
“We are watching”: AUSTRAC orders compliance audits on casinos in Townsville, Darwin – 30 May 2025
Australia’s financial intelligence agency has appointed external auditors to examine the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) compliance of two casinos – one in Queensland and the other in the Northern Territory – after identifying oversight weaknesses in both operations. These audits will assess whether each casino is maintaining an AML/CTF program that identifies, mitigates, and manages money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks, conducting appropriate ML/TF risk assessments, and ensuring boards and senior management maintain effective oversight of the program.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 23 May 2025
Former EY partner banned over tax evasion and schemes for clients – 18 May 2025
Former EY partner Peter White has been banned by the Tax Practitioners Board for five years for personal tax evasion and creating schemes for clients to minimise tax. The Tax Practitioners Board gave White the maximum ban and said his conduct was “serious, deliberate and dishonest” and broke tax law and the tax agent code of conduct. The board said White was no longer a “fit and proper person to remain registered”.
Couple flees to India in business class after allegedly defrauding NZ government of $2M – 18 May 2025
A trusted Indian-origin property manager at Oranga Tamariki and her husband allegedly defrauded the government agency of more than $2 million in a brazen, years-long scheme that ended in business-class tickets to India and criminal convictions. The Christchurch-based couple orchestrated an elaborate fraud by secretly inserting Amandeep’s company into the government agency’s job system, with Neha personally approving and allocating work to Divine Connection—despite knowing it was a serious conflict of interest and that the company was not an approved supplier.
The growing push for ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ laws – 19 May 2025
When Queensland woman Emma Lovell was stabbed to death by a teenager in 2022, the community and nation was shocked. The crime was a catalyst for a campaign for stricter sentencing for youths and Queensland went on to become the first state to introduce ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ laws. ABC News Queensland presenter Jessica van Vonderen on why other states could follow suit.
Anglican diocese seeks to sell property to pay child sex abuse claims – 19 May 2025
The North Queensland Anglican Diocese needs to find millions of dollars to compensate victims of historic child sexual abuse under the National Redress Scheme. The Bishop of North Queensland is preparing a Supreme Court application to allow the church to sell off parish assets and dissolve charitable trusts. The abuse claims against the diocese stretch back as far as the 1950s, with most cases occurring in the 1960s to 1980s.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-19
Domestic violence survivors living in fear of having addresses leaked by energy companies – 20 May 2025
A new report has found that survivors of domestic abuse can be put at increased risk with abusers using energy and water accounts to stalk, control, and punish them. The report — Designed to Disrupt: Safety by design for essential services — found that abusers were exploiting weaknesses in companies’ privacy systems to access information from their victims’ energy and water accounts.
Strata licences cancelled over insurance failures, misconduct – 21 May 2025
NSW Fair Trading has taken formal disciplinary action against Result Strata Management Pty Ltd and its general manager, Michael Lee, permanently revoking their licences to operate in the state’s strata management sector. An investigation revealed multiple violations, including:
• failure to manage conflicts of interest
• improper conduct related to meeting instructions
• billing for undelivered services
• neglect of fire safety obligations
• insufficient insurance arrangements for managed properties
New NDIS firm in integrity probe: tip-offs claim holidays on taxpayers, doctor collusion – 21 May 2025
An NDIS firm was accused of using taxpayer money to send clients and carers on holidays, offering people with disabilities cash payments instead of support, and colluding with doctors to inflate plans, court documents state.
Access to digital version of Australian required to read article
Hackers unleash botnet capable of ‘killing most companies’ – 21 May 2025
Security researchers have uncovered what could be the biggest ever botnet, capable of “crippling digital assaults” that could take down entire companies. Hackers performed what appeared to be a test run of the botnet’s capabilities last week, targeting the website of cybercrime investigator Brian Krebs. A botnet is created by compromising the security of internet-connected devices and linking them together to carry out distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelms websites and online services with traffic to knock them offline.
https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/botnet-cyber-attack-google-aisuru-krebs-b2755072.html
Major online retailer sued for allegedly overcharging more than 40,000 customers – 22 May 2025
A major online retailer will face the federal court after the corporate regulator accused it of tricking over 40,000 customers into overpaying for electronics and household goods. Aussie retailer Snaffle allows customers to buy electronics and household goods including washing machines, fridges and mobile phones through weekly instalments over a period of years. But the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) claims the company has inflated the price of goods and also overcharged customers on interest contracts.
Microsoft says 394,000 Windows computers infected by Lumma malware – 22 May 2025
Microsoft said that it broke down the Lumma Stealer malware project with the help of law enforcement officials across the globe. The tech giant said in a blog post that its digital crimes unit discovered more than 394,000 Windows computers were infected by the Lumma malware worldwide between March 16 through May 16. The Lumma malware was a favorite hacking tool used by bad actors, Microsoft said in the post. Hackers used the malware to steal passwords, credit cards, bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
Disability services provider which collapsed with $500,000 tax debt investigated by NDIS regulator – 22 May 2025
The NDIS regulator is investigating a Queensland-based disability housing and support provider – which collapsed in March with more than half a million dollars in tax debt – after residents made complaints alleging that their support needs were not being fully met. In the midst of insolvency proceedings, Core & Capacity staff began to issue residents with new agreements for rent and disability support.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 16 May 2025
Five people arrested in Victoria over alleged drug and gun trafficking syndicate links – 9 May 2025
Police have charged five people in Cobram and Wangaratta as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged criminal network. The multi-year investigation has resulted in hundreds of charges and the alleged seizure of drugs, guns and vehicles. Police say they will continue to pursue suspects until “every link in the chain is broken”.
Doctor engaged in professional misconduct by accessing female colleague’s health record 14 times, tribunal finds – 12 May 2025
A Canberra doctor has been found to have engaged in professional misconduct. The doctor admitted to accessing a female colleague’s medical records 14 times. Dr James McClymont will be allowed to return to work under strict conditions including compulsory mentoring.
Shaken toddlers and slapped babies: Documents expose childcare crisis – 12 May 2025
Affinity Education owns more than 250 corporate childcare centres around the country. Footage shows a defensive baby slapped in the face by a child care worker. Investigation highlights child care system in crisis and the mistreatment of vulnerable children.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-12/shaken-toddlers-and-slapped-babies:-documents/105284350
Bunnings accused of abusing market power – 12 May 2025
Bunnings is Australia’s most trusted brand but it’s being accused of abusing its market power. A Four Corners investigation into the hardware giant has heard fresh allegations of supplier mistreatment, while a price survey has questioned whether Bunnings really is that cheap.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/bunnings-accused-of-abusing-market-power/105280442
High Court to decide if information gathered on encrypted messaging app AN0M was legally obtained – 13 May 2025
The High Court will on Tuesday delve into the murky world of organised crime and encrypted messaging on an app known as AN0M, which was secretly controlled by the FBI and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) said there were nearly 1,000 arrests globally, with 42 tonnes of illicit drugs and $US58 million in cash and crypto currency seized. According to AFP data, there have been nearly 100 people in Australia charged, with drugs, firearms, and substantial amounts of money seized.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-13/act-operation-ironside-an0m-app-high-court-preview/105275242
Queensland health ombudsman issues warning to public amid investigation into massage therapist – 13 May 2025
The ombusdman said Mr Zhen and H2OMASSAGE have allegedly put patients at risk by recommending dangerous and ineffective treatments. The OHO placed an interim order on Mr Zhen in June last year, prohibiting him from providing or supporting health services. An investigation is underway and anyone who has received treatment from Mr Zhen is urged to contact the Office of the Health Ombudsman.
The ‘therapeutic’ system where kids fall prey to child sex abusers – 13 May 2025
The ABC has unearthed cases of a senior worker contacting a child sex abuser as part of a “safety” check on a child, current sexual exploitation of a girl at risk of death, and one department’s attempt to avoid responsibility for decisions that led to assaults.
Marion Joan Pearson: Former Perth financial adviser fails to stop extradition to Australia to face 136 charges – 15 May 2025
A woman who formerly worked as a financial adviser in Perth will be sent back to Australia to face 136 theft charges after her extradition bid failed.
The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram – 15 May 2025
They call themselves Terrorgram — a group of “militant accelerationists” who use extreme violence to bring down governments and create new white “ethnostates”. They came together on social media apps like Telegram and created a transnational network resulting in a spree of deadly terror attacks across the globe. A year long investigation by PBS and ProPublica unmasks the ringleaders and how they operated.
And it uncovers the failings of authorities to stop them.
“The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram” shows the consequences of unfettered free speech — having influencers advocate mass murder.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-14/the-rise-and-fall-of-terrorgram/105292780
Macquarie sued for misreporting up to 1.5 billion sales – 14 May 2025
Corporate watchdog ASIC alleges Macquarie Securities – Macquarie Group’s cash brokering division – failed to correctly report at least 73 million short sales between December 2009 and February 2024. This puts the nation’s financial stability at risk. This marks ASIC’s fourth action against Macquarie Group in just over a year, highlighting broader compliance concerns in the local financial sector.
https://michaelwest.com.au/news/macquarie-sued-for-misreporting-up-to-1-5-billion-sales/
German police arrest three men over alleged Russian parcel bomb plot – 15 May 2025
Three men allegedly sent parcels containing GPS trackers in March this year to scout out potential routes for further explosive packages. The men were allegedly in contact with Russian state actors, German prosecutors say. It’s the latest example of a rising hybrid war in Europe, with western intelligence accusing Russia of using sabotage as a weapon to destabilise European support for Ukraine.
WA Premier blames system ‘gaps’ for allowing CCC officer in probe to work for VenuesWest – 15 May 2025
Louise Catherine Carruthers was an officer in the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) when she was accused of having an intimate relationship with an informant. The CCC’s Parliamentary Inspector tabled a report last year, which found she used her position for personal benefit with one of commission’s sources. It was later revealed that while under investigation, Ms Carruthers was employed by another government agency, VenuesWest.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-15/wa-ccc-officer-informant-improper-relationship/105273534
PointsBet fined $500,000 after spamming customers with gambling ad – 16 May 2025
Online gambling provider PointsBet Australia has been fined $500,800 for breaching spam and gambling self-exclusion laws. The Australian Communications and Media Authority found the company sent 508 marketing messages in a two-month period to people who had chosen to exclude themselves from online wagering. Experts have called on the federal government to act on the 31 recommendations from the parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, specifically setting up a gambling regulator.
