The following are articles relevant to the Professional Investigator. Click on the title to make a comment or join the conversation.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 18 October 2024
Westpac wins fight against ‘audacious’ Forum fraud – 11 October 2024
A court has found four key figures linked to a former Sydney equipment financing business, engaged in Australia’s largest ever bank fraud, writing more than $500m in fake leases.
Access to Digital version of Herald Sun required to read article.
Juror misconduct leads to mistrials, fines and huge emotional cost, so how are courts dealing with it? – 12 October 2024
The ACT government has passed changes to its jury laws following the mistrial of Bruce Lehrmann in the ACT Supreme Court. Under the changes, jurors who seek independent information about the trial will face criminal penalties and majority verdicts will be allowed.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-10/act-jury-laws-bruce-lehrmann-prosecution/103691924
Studying, renting, under financial stress: The women most likely to experience stalking – 16 October 2024
One in five women and one in 15 men in Australia — an estimated 2.7 million adults — have experienced stalking since the age of 15. Article discusses stalking in Australia including types of victims and perpetrators.
AI and cyber security: friends or frenemies? – 16 October 2024
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must face the tough job of enabling their business to embrace AI securely, protecting the organisation while also keeping pace with the evolving threat landscape and emergence of new, sophisticated AI driven threats. This paper explores how an organisation can remain proactive and resilient into the future by remaining vigilant and having the right guardrails and threat response strategies in place. It also looks into emerging opportunities for generative AI to be used to strengthen cyber security.
https://kpmg.com/au/en/home/insights/2024/10/ai-and-cyber-security-friends-or-frenemies.html
ASIC investigating Super Retail over whistleblower dispute – 16 October 2024
The corporate regulator is investigating the owner of retail chains Supercheap Auto, Rebel and BCF over its courtroom battle with two former executives turned whistleblowers, which has developed into a court room battle costing millions. They have alleged the Super Retailer was a highly dysfunctional workplace and claimed that chief executive Anthony Heraghty was having a secret affair with the former head of human resources, Jane Kelly. The women, Rebecca Farrell and Amelia Berczelly, have also made accusations of bullying and victimisation, which Super Retail denies.
Real estate agent used client’s money for own property purchase – 16 October 2024
The director of a southwest Sydney real estate agency says he is “deeply sorry” after he was busted breaching industry standards, including by borrowing $78,000 from a trust fund to pay for a property purchase in his own name.
Global efforts against financial crime need better co-operation between AML and data regulators, FATF chief de Anda tells IAFCS2024 – 14 October 2024
Data privacy and Anti Money laundering regulatory bodies have to work together to harmonise rules for more effectives regulation, the president of the FATF Financial action Task Force) has said. Elisa de Anda Madrazo, the newly-appointed president of the Financial Action Task Force, said that there is often ‘friction’ between different watchdogs
Victorian woman jailed over $600,000 in GST refunds for “fake” cleaning business – 17 October 2024
Tahra Wyntjes, a Victorian woman has been sentenced to four years behind bars after claiming almost $600,000 in dodgy GST refunds, and attempting to pocket a further $260,000 before being caught by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/tax/victoria-gst-refund-fraud-sentencing-operation-protego/
Identity theft affects 13% of Australians, says Norton – 17 October 2024
The threat of identity theft continues to be a significant concern for Australians, with recent data highlighting its profound impact on both financial stability and mental health. Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen, has reported that 13% of Australian consumers have experienced identity theft. This statistic underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and robust identity protection measures. According to a survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology, 31% of respondents reported experiencing some form of identity crime in their lifetime, with 20% encountering it within the past year.
https://securitybrief.com.au/story/identity-theft-affects-13-of-australians-says-norton
‘Nobody is immune’: Businesses fall victim to deepfake scams – 17 October 2024
The global payment processor says 20 per cent of all businesses have been targeted by deepfake scams in the past year as a broader economic slowdown leaves many companies vulnerable due to an inability to invest in cyber security protection.
Subscription to The Australian required to read article
The Australian Taxation Office is looking for a weapon in its war against tax cheats and criminals – 18 October 2024
The Australian Taxation Office says it’s looking for a new high tech way for its agents to go undercover on social media and trawl for “persons of interest”. Experts say the ATO is looking for a “turn-key system” that will allow it to automate some of the processes its investigators already do. The ATO says it’s hoping to have the new tool up and running by November.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-18/ato-looks-for-new-tool-to-use-against-criminals/104481048
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 11 October 2024
Australian Cyber Crime Statistics In 2023 Shed Light On The Current Cyber Threat Landscape – 4 October 2024
Australian Cybercrime Statistics 2023 – The escalating threat of cybercrime in Australia necessitates heightened awareness and proactive measures. According to the most recent Annual Cyber Threat Report for the period spanning 2021-2022, alarming statistics have come to light. In 2024 roughly-one third of adult Australians, or around 6.4 million people, have been the victim of a breach in the last 12 months.
NSW Police launch review into toxic culture within force following ABC investigation – 4 October 2024
Former Victorian equal opportunity human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton will conduct a review into the culture within NSW Police. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb says it’s important for someone with “fresh eyes” to conduct the review. Commissioner Webb did not rule out the need for a royal commission following the review.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/nsw-police-review-toxic-culture-abc-investigation/104432330
Retirement villages on notice after ABC investigation – 7 October 2024
Retirement villages have been put on notice following an ABC investigation into residents who are victims of financial abuse. Residents and their families are being hit with enormous exit fees and unreasonable refurbish and renovation fees, often resulting in them losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on their initial investments.
Aussies Targeted for Crypto Scams as “Easy Prey” – 7 October 2024
A shocking ABC report has unveiled that Australians are often targeted by overseas crypto scammers due to the resident’s wealth and trusting nature. Additionally, scammers believe that the AFP is less likely to go after international criminals, a perception local authorities are looking to change. All up, Aussies lost approximately AU $300m to investment scams in 2023, with 47% of them involving cryptocurrency.
https://cryptonews.com.au/news/abc-report-aussies-targeted-for-crypto-scams-as-easy-prey-123810/
WA Ombudsman to resign over travel bills – 9 October 2024
WA’s controversial globetrotting Ombudsman says he will resign in the wake of a damning Corruption and Crime Commission report that found he had created a sham process to allow him to bypass the premier’s approval for his lavish international travel that cost taxpayers more than $200,000 in a single year.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-09/wa-ombudsman-to-resign-over-travel-bills/104449386
IBAC report says investigators uncovered corrupt conduct in Moonee Valley council – 9 October 2024
Cameron Nation accepted cocaine and Xanax in exchange for progressing planning applications while mayor of Moonee Valley council, according to a report tabled in state parliament. The IBAC said it also found Mr Nation and councilors Jacob Bettio and Narelle Sharpe received undisclosed dinners and a free membership to a local soccer club. IBAC has recommended the code of conduct for councilors be updated to include a “clear expectation” that they report suspected corruption.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-09/ibac-mooney-valley-council-corruption-bribes-report/104450222
Why allegations of war crimes against Australian Defence Force soldiers may never result in charges – 9 October 2024
The Brereton inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan found there was “credible information” related to the alleged unlawful killing of 39 people by, or involving, Australian Defence Force members. One former SAS soldier has been charged with a war crime. Defence Minister Richard Marles is currently considering the recommendations of a review of the role of the inspector-general of the ADF.
These car brands are collecting and sharing your data with third parties – 9 October 2024
An investigation by consumer advocacy group Choice found most of Australia’s popular car brands collect and share “driver data”, ranging from braking patterns to video footage. Kia and Hyundai collect voice recognition data from inside their cars and sell it to an artificial intelligence software training company. Privacy and consumer rights advocates are pushing for law reform to limit data collection to what is “fair and reasonable”.
Proposed AML/CTF law changes to impact gaming rooms – 10 October 2024
The Australian government has introduced the long-anticipated Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financial (AML/CTF) Amendment Bill 2024 into parliament. the amendment bill will bring tranche two entities into the scope, including lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents. It will also bring Australia in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force.
https://theshout.com.au/australian-hotelier/proposed-aml-ctf-law-changes-to-impact-gaming-rooms/
Police say outlaw motorcycle gangs ‘not welcome’ on the Sunshine Coast after trio arrested – 10 October 2024
Three suspected members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested. The trio came to the attention of police after a traffic crash where the driver was allegedly assaulted. Police have vowed to continue to try to stamp out gang activity on the Sunshine Coast.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-10/rebels-motorcycle-gang-arrests-sunshine-coast/104454742
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 4 October 2024
Sam Bankman-Fried’s ex-girlfriend Caroline Ellison sentenced to two years’ jail over crypto fraud – 25 September 2024
Caroline Ellison has been sentenced to two years in jail for her involvement in her ex-boyfriend Sam Bankman-Fried’s theft of $US8 billion in customer funds. The tech executive ran Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency-focused hedge fund Bankman-Fried founded. Lawyers argued against jail time due to her “extraordinary” cooperation with prosecutors and role as star witness in Bankman-Fried’s case.
Services Australia data breaches surge as scammers try to hack customer accounts using stolen details – 29 September 2024
Services Australia has seen a massive surge in data breaches by scammers harvesting information from previous hacks and using it to access customer account., Services Australia had reported 49 data breaches as a result of social engineering – where people call an agency pretending to be someone in order to access information. The figure was more than 440% higher than the nine social engineering-related reports across the whole of 2023.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/29/services-australia-hacks-data-breach-scam
Journalist awarded for work on human trafficking in online scams arrested in Cambodia – 1 October 2024
Cambodian journalist Mech Dara, who has been awarded for his work investigating human trafficking in the online scam industry, has been arrested by the country’s military police. The police have refused to reveal why he was taken into custody with observers saying they believe the arrest was politically motivated. Dara’s family say they have not been informed of his whereabouts and fear for his safety.
Fraud allegations involving Tara bushfire and Cyclone Jasper disaster funding referred to police – 2 October 2024
Several staff have been terminated or suspended from a Queensland government department after fraud allegations. It’s believed the allegations relate to funding given after Cyclone Jasper and the Tara bushfires in 2023. Two cases of alleged fraud have been referred to police for investigation.
Fraudster Patricia Evans, who swindled elderly victims of savings and super, jailed over ‘web of deceit’ – 2 October 2024
Patricia Evans was sentenced in SA’s District Court after pleading guilty to two counts of theft and 19 counts of aggravated theft between May 2010 and August 2018. The sentencing judge said Evans had stolen up to $4.2 million from three victims — but said the charges before the court only related to a total of $272,463. Evans was sentenced to eight years and four months behind bars, with a non-parole period of five years.
Meta, Australian banks tout progress on taking down scam ads – 3 October 2024
Meta has taken down some 8000 so-called “celeb bait” scam ads from Facebook and Instagram as part of a new effort with Australian banks to curb the practice. The scams use images of famous people, often generated by artificial intelligence, to trick consumers into giving money to non-existent investment schemes.
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/meta-australian-banks-tout-progress-on-taking-down-scam-ads-612119
Vitrinite accused of clearing koala habitat and illegal coal mining in Queensland – 3 October 2024
A mining company has been accused of destroying koala habitat and illegally mining coal at a site in Queensland, without government approval. Vitrinite denies breaching the law and says the works are a “small testing operation”. The federal environment department is “making enquiries”, with the allegation, if proven, carrying a possible $825,000 fine.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/koala-habitat-cleared-without-federal-approval/104414272
Trump ‘resorted to crimes’ in scramble to overturn US election, unsealed court documents allege – 3 October 2024
New details of Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election have been revealed in a newly unsealed court filing. The 165-page document cites previously unknown accounts by the former president’s closest aides. It is uncertain whether the case will proceed to trial, particularly if Trump is elected president in November.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-03/trump-election-interference-filing-unsealed/104426280
Experts say scammers are getting a leg-up from the system that serves us personalised ads – 3 October 2024
The online ad industry may be providing scammers with the tools to target Australians more efficiently. A new report reveals how the sale of people’s consumer data could be fuelling common scams featuring fake road toll notices or texts purporting to be from AusPost. The federal government is in the process of updating the Privacy Act, but changes to data privacy rules have been deferred until a later, unspecified, date.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/scammers-using-system-for-ads-to-con-australians/104426750
Karen Salkilld faked her own death to claim $700k life insurance payout, Perth court hears – 4 October 2024
Karen Salkilld faked her own death, using her former partner’s identification, to successfully claim a $718,000 insurance payout. Her lawyer told the court the “crazy act” of faking her own death came from a movie she had once seen. Salkilld was told to expect an immediate jail term when sentenced later this month.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years in prison for 2020 presidential race voting data scheme – 4 October 2024
A former Colorado county clerk has been sentenced to nine years in jail for charges relating to a breach in her county’s voting system. Tina Peters became “fixated” on voting problems after becoming involved with those who had questioned the accuracy of the 2020 presidential election results. She was convicted of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state.
NSW premier says commissioner will commit to reforming police culture after ‘harrowing’ allegations – 29 September 2024
NSW Premier Chris Minns has addressed “harrowing” allegations about the state police force following an ABC investigation.
Former and current NSW Police officers said they had experienced bullying, nepotism, sexism and a lack of mental health support. Mr Minns said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was committed to reform, but did not commit to an independent inquiry.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 27 September 2024
Canberra woman scammed out of $1.6 million inheritance adding firepower to federal scam protections campaign – 18 September 2024
Canberran Harriet Spring, who was scammed out of $1.6 million, has taken her fight for better scam victim financial compensation to Parliament House. The federal government’s new draft legislation would put in place new rules about detecting, preventing and responding to scams. Online consultation for the draft anti-scam laws is open until October 4.
MLA calls for parliamentary inquiry into NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption – 20 September 2024
An independent MLA will call for a parliamentary inquiry into the NT’s corruption watchdog when the legislative assembly resumes next month. The NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has faced a series of scandals since it was formed in 2018. The proposed inquiry will need the support of the new Country Liberal Party government if it is to be established.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-20/mla-calls-for-parliamentary-inquiry-into-nt-icac/104378554
Singapore ex-minister convicted in rare graft trial – 25 September 2024
S. Iswaran, a Singaporean former minister has been convicted of obstruction of justice and accepting illegal gifts. He has been hit with 35 charges mostly related to graft in a nation often cited as one of the world’s least corrupt.
IBAC report finds Metropolitan Fire Brigade employees improperly accessed executive emails to help union – 25 September 2024
An anti-corruption investigation has found Victorian fire service employees repeatedly accessed sensitive information and fed it to the powerful United Firefighters Union (UFU). IBAC has today released the findings of a long-running probe named Operation Turton, which asks Fire Rescue to report on how it’s implementing its recommendations within six months.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-25/ibac-mfb-ufu-peter-marshall-operation-turton/104394046
NSW premier says commissioner will commit to reforming police culture after ‘harrowing’ allegations – 26 September 2024
NSW Premier Chris Minns has addressed “harrowing” allegations about the state police force following an ABC investigation.
Former and current NSW Police officers said they had experienced bullying, nepotism, sexism and a lack of mental health support.
Mr Minns said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was committed to reform, but did not commit to an independent inquiry.
Queensland man charged over alleged phishing scam, sending millions of texts – 26 September 2024
A North Queensland man has been charged over an alleged phishing scam involving millions of fake text messages. Police say they seized more than 1,200 SIM cards and equipment capable of sending mass messages. The man has appeared in court and was remanded in custody.
Queensland Fire Department commissioner calls for end of bullying and harassment within organisation in leaked video – 26 September 2024
A leaked video shows QFD Commissioner Stephen Smith asking for service members to call out bullying and harassment. It comes in the wake of ABC reporting on cultural issues within the department. The department says the findings of a review into its complaints management framework are imminent.
New York Mayor Eric Adams charged on five criminal counts in ‘multi-year’ Turkish bribery and fraud scheme – 27 September 2024
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been implicated in a bribery and fraud scheme, becoming the first of the city’s 110 mayors to be criminally charged while in office.
The 64-year-old Democrat has denied wrongdoing and said he would “continue to do my job” while fighting the charges in court. Mr Adams faces a 57-page indictment and the case is likely to complicate any bid for re-election next year.
Relative of OMCG member is third woman jailed in WA over illicit cash investigation – 27 September 2024
The West Australian sister of an offshore Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member has been sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven and a half months, for possessing more than $800,000 of suspected proceeds of crime. She is the third woman to be convicted over the matter.
Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell has been found guilty of theft and dishonesty — what happens now? – 27 September 2024
After a three-month trial, and years facing and fighting charges, Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell was found guilty, by a jury, of 20 counts of theft and five counts of dishonest dealing with documents. In the seven years since he was accused of stealing $430,000 from not-for-profit educational organisations.
