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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 28 June 2024
Harriet lost $1.6 million to a scam. She wants the government to act and the bank forced to pay up – 23 June 2024
Harriet Spring fell for a sophisticated fixed-term deposit scam. Experts warn scams are now too complex for consumers to pick up on by themselves and they want banks to be liable for reimbursing customers. The government says it’s working with the banks to tighten security but won’t go down that route at the moment.
WA Police Commissioner says ‘boys club culture’ to blame for rising cop sexual misconduct claims – 27 June 2024
A report of sexual misconduct by a WA cop was made almost once a week last year, with Police Commissioner Col Blanch admitting to a “boys club culture” in the force. The State’s top cop described the 47 claims made last year as a “sad reflection” on the agency’s performance — while also revealing that 16 alleged perpetrators had been superior-ranked officers.
Digital access to the West Australian required to read article
Why High-Quality Data is Crucial to Fighting Financial Crime – 27 June 2024
The fight against financial crime is becoming increasingly complex. This paper explains the debate around AI responsibility and that organisations need to carefully consider the quality of the data that fuels the AI system. The six key steps for successful AI implementation are also listed.
https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/ai-financial-crime-prevention
Super scammers defrauded Lee of his retirement savings. Industry experts are calling for better protections – 27 June 2024
Lee Braz’s entire super, $180,000, was stolen by scammers who used fraudulent documents to trick his fund. He launched a four-year legal battle to get a refund from his super fund, but only got back a third, which didn’t cover his legal feess. Industry experts want the federal government to urgently increase security obligations, such as multi-factor authentication and checks on who owns a bank account when rolling over a member’s super.
US Trafficking in Persons report says Cambodian officials complicit in human trafficking for online scams – 27 June 2024
A new report from the US State Department has highlighted alleged Cambodian government “corruption and official complicity” in human trafficking for the online scam industry”. The Trafficking in Persons report, which each year ranks countries for their efforts to eliminate human trafficking, gave Cambodia the lowest Tier 3 rating. It said the government did not meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking and was not making significant efforts to do so.
Concerns about rise in scams targeting residents in remote Western Australia ahead of tax time – 27 June 2024
Community leaders and financial counsellors warn of a spike in scams targeting residents in remote communities ahead of tax time.
They say more needs to be done in regional areas to protect vulnerable residents. Consumer Protection is urging all residents to break the stigma and report scams.
Former Moreland councillor Milad El-Halabi spared jail, fined $20,000 for tampering with voter ballots – 27 June 2024
A former Victorian councillor has been fined after admitting to one charge of vote tampering during a 2020 election. Milad El-Halabi was found to have “possessed and handled” the 23 fraudulent ballot papers, which elected him to the council’s north-west ward.
El-Halabi was fined $20,000 and was handed an 18-month community work order.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-27/moreland-councillor-fined-for-rigging-ballot/104032504
Canberra lawyer Ben Aulich found guilty of professional misconduct after dancing shirtless in front of colleagues, taking his pants off during drinking game – 27 June 2024
Canberra lawyer Ben Aulich has been found guilty of professional misconduct after taking part in a drinking game where he took his pants off in front of his colleagues, risking “accidental exposure” of his penis.
He also behaved in a “bawdy” way, dancing shirtless while on a professional development weekend in 2021. Mr Aulich has been ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 and has been publicly reprimanded.
The trial of campsite murderer Greg Lynn – 27 June 2024
The trial of the missing campers in Victoria fascinated Australians and now Greg Lynn, the former Jetstar pilot, is a convicted murderer. He’s awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of killing Carol Clay. He was found not guilty of murdering Russell Hill. Today, creator of the Trace podcast Rachael Brown takes us through the captivating and unusual case.
Text scammers targeted in calls for mandatory SMS Sender ID Register – 28 June 2024
New legislation introduced in federal parliament will give the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) powers to establish and run an SMS Sender ID Register. The register will allow telcos to check whether messages are sent under a brand name that matches a legitimate sender.The government is now considering whether the registry should be mandatory for all entities that use a sender ID to contact Australian consumers.
Due date error involving hundreds of pregnant women under investigation after SA Health ‘miscalculated’ – 28 June 2024
SA Health may have “miscalculated” the due dates of more than 1,700 pregnant women, prompting concerns some could have been induced too early. SA Health Minister Chris Picton has ordered an independent investigation into the bungle. The investigation will likely take “a couple of months”, with the findings to be made public.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 21 June 2024
Townsville woman charged with allegedly defrauding Far North Qld business more than $2.5 million – 14 June 2024
A 50-year-old woman is accused of defrauding a company of more than $2.5 million. Police will allege the woman used her position to take several measures, including relocating funds, altering business documents, including payroll information, to commit the offences. Police have charged the woman with about 120 fraud related offences and she’s due to appear in court in August.
Eleven people arrested in alleged Shepparton drug trafficking ring investigation – 15 June 2024
Victoria Police has arrested 11 men in relation to an alleged drug trafficking ring operating in Shepparton. Police believed drugs were being transported from Melbourne and supplied to Shepparton, which led to their investigation. Police seized about $600,000 worth of drugs including methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and GHB. Those arrested will appear in court.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-15/shepparton-drug-trafficking-ring-arrests/103982446
Keep hearing about data breaches? Here’s how scammers can use them to target you – 16 June 2024
Data breaches might seem common, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Depending on what kind of information is compromised, scammers and hackers can still find a way to use it against you. Article explains what you should do if you receive threatening emails claiming your personal data has been stolen.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-16/data-breach-cybersecurity-threats-scammers/103931466
Dirty money laws to help stem NDIS fraud – 16 June 2024
Law enforcement agencies have told Labor that moves to extend protections against the circulation of dirty money in Australia have the potential to help stem rampant fraud in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/dirty-money-laws-to-help-stem-ndis-fraud-20240611-p5jkta
South Australian MP Troy Bell stole money from not-for-profit to pay for home renovations, court hears – 18 June 2024
A court has heard that a South Australian MP Troy Bell allegedly stole money from not-for-profit educational organisations and used it to fund renovations at his family home along with credit card debts. Mr Bell has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of theft and six counts of dishonest dealing with documents which allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2013.A jury of 15 people will hear evidence over an estimated four months.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-18/south-australian-mp-troy-bell-district-court/103990350
Shannara Cindy Dyball pleads guilty in Toowoomba to Containers for Change fraud – 19 June 2024
Shannara Cindy Dyball defrauded Queensland’s container refund scheme the equivalent of almost a million cans and bottles. Dyball had access to a system where she could manually enter the number of cans for a refund directly into a bank account. She pleaded guilty in the District Court to one count of fraud and was sentenced to four years in prison, wholly suspended for a term of four years.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-19/shannara-cindy-dyball-pleads-guilty-to-fraud/103997510
Sport Integrity Australia accused of age discrimination in its investigation of child gymnast’s bullying allegations – 19 June 2024
Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has been accused of breaching the Age Discrimination Act when it investigated bullying allegations involving a child within Gymnastics Australia. The ABC can reveal the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is handling a complaint lodged by a parent over an investigation conducted by SIA in 2020, relating to allegations of bullying, verbal abuse and inappropriate discipline of their daughter.
Man arrested in Melbourne over 500 allegedly fraudulent COVID-19 isolation payment claims – 21 June 2024
Police have arrested a 41-year-old man in Melbourne’s west as they investigate more than 500 allegedly fraudulent applications for COVID-19 payments made during the pandemic worth roughly $60,000. Police seized a number of items from the address including card-printing and embossing machines, various forms of fake IDs including drivers licences, Medicare cards, and four mobile phone signal jammers.
Channel Seven reporter Robert Ovadia ‘sacked’ following internal investigation – 21 June 2024
Senior Channel Seven journalist Robert Ovadia says he has been sacked by the network after an internal investigation was launched into allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Ovadia previously said any allegation he had behaved inappropriately at any time is false and will be defended.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-21/channel-seven-reporter-robert-ovadia-sacked/104006934
How Medibank allegedly ignored the warning signs in one of Australia’s worst cybersecurity breaches – 21 June 2024
This article explains in detail how medibanks security breach was undertaken, the warning signs and the exposure and risks created by Medibank by the lack of cyber security measures in place.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-22/medibank-alerts-australia-cybersecurity-breach/104003576
Sydney bartender Andrew Hayler jailed after sharing digitally altered images of women on porn site – 21 June 2024
Sydney bartender Andrew Thomas Hayler, 38, has been sentenced to nine years in jail for uploading digitally altered images of 26 women to a porn site. Victim Hannah Grundy alerted police and has been trying to get justice for the past three years.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 14 June 2024
UK tech tycoon Lynch cleared of HP fraud charges in $16.5b deal – 7 June 2024
UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch was found not guilty of criminal charges that he pulled off Silicon Valley’s biggest-ever fraud 13 years ago by duping Hewlett Packard into buying his software start-up for $US11 billion ($16.5 billion). His victory is stunning after he lost a civil trial in the UK in 2022 over allegations that he and Autonomy’s former finance chief used accounting tricks to inflate the company’s revenue ahead of its 2011 sale.
Access to digital version of AFR required to read article
AFP officer’s home raided in anti-corruption investigation – 8 June 2024
Anti-corruption investigators have raided the home of a high-ranking Australian Federal Police officer. The respected federal police veteran was suspended after internal affairs officers searched his Canberra home. Official sources, speaking anonymously to discuss confidential information, said the raid was prompted by allegations linked to a conflict of interest involving procurement decisions.
Public Transport Victoria confirms scammers are exploiting unregistered myki cards to get refunds – 8 June 2024
Public Transport Victoria has confirmed scammers are using an exploit to steal money from myki cards. Scammers are targeting unregistered myki cards, rerouting refunds to their own bank accounts. The Public Transport Users Association has advised commuters to register their cards to prevent fraud.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-08/myki-public-transport-victoria-cards-scam-exploit/103954502
Inside a scam operation as a cybercrime unfolds – 8 June 2024
Jim Browning is a “scam-baiter”. He monitors, undetected, scammers operating in real-time, then turns the tables on them. Once Browning gains access to the scammers’ computers — sometimes with the help of an insider — he can see everything the scammers are doing, including how they interact with their victims all over the world.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-08/scam-baiter-exposes-real-time-scam-australia/103903180
The tax office brawl that almost ended investigation of PwC scandal – 9 June 2024
The Senate committee that uncovered the PwC tax scandal is due to release its final report, but it will not end the fallout that has already torn the consulting firm in two and sent shockwaves throughout the entire industry.
The tax office now faces fresh scrutiny over allegations it actively attempted to derail the investigation that led to former PwC partner Peter Collins being banned in 2022 for sharing sensitive government tax plans with other partners and potential clients.
Access to digital version of SMH required to read article
Scam, sleep and scam again. Inside the scam facility behind those annoying text messages – 11 June 2024
This article explains how a Dubai Scam pig butchering syndicate was uncovered following the chance meeting of an Australian divorcee, a private detective, a YouTube scam-baiter and one of the scammers himself, who worked from the inside to take the operation down.
Big Four consulting firms ‘operating in the shadows for too long’ as Senate committee demands new rules for government contracts – 12 June 2024
A Senate committee is calling on PwC to disclose the “names and positions” of the staff involved in its controversial tax leaks scandal. It also said new clauses were needed in government contracts that explicitly require consulting firms to act in the public interest when they provide services to government. The requests form part of 12 recommendations from a final report by a federal parliamentary committee that has investigated the federal government’s use of private consulting services.
https://www.ft.com/content/3ef7333c-a16f-4b61-81c7-96b3873fd767
Identity fraud victim Ilker fears for his safety after hit-run committed in car hired under his name – 12 June 2024
An identity theft victim is struggling to get answers after his stolen licence was linked to a hit-and-run. The Melbourne man says he is trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare between Victoria Police and VicRoads. He is calling on authorities to provide better support and information to victims.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-12/identity-fraud-victim-ilker-and-hit-run-incident/103968562
Medibank to be sued by privacy regulator over cyber hack – 11 June 2024
The Information Commissioner is suing Medibank over one of the largest-ever breaches of Australian customer’s data. It started in 2022, when the private health insurer was exposed to a cyber-attack. The personal details of 9.7 million customers were released on the dark web. While victims are still reeling from this attack, Medibank itself could now face the consequences.
The wild life of counterfeiter and con artist Robert Baudin – 13 June 2024
Article tells the story of Robert Budin. Baudin was born in the United States. He started counterfeiting during the depression and World War II, after the war he “made” US$2,000,000 and eventually moved to Australia. He served a jail sentence in Australia for printing of currency.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-11/robert-baudin-counterfeiter-great-aussie-cons/103937070
Ex-ANZ bank teller Mary Mercedes Lea’aetoa jailed for stealing $56k from Carnarvon pensioner – 13 June 2024
Former ANZ worker in Carnarvon has been jailed for forgery and theft. Mary Mercedes Lea’aetoa stole more than $56,000 from a pensioner by forging her signature. She will be eligible for parole next year.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-13/anz-teller-sentenced-for-stealing-and-fraud/103967724
Independent inquiry launched into NACC decision not to probe Robodebt referrals – 13 June 2024
Nearly 900 complaints have been made about the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s decision to not launch a fresh investigation into the robodebt scandal. The Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission will start its own inquiry into that decision, given many of those complaints allege corrupt conduct or maladministration by the NACC itself. Ms Furness said she will make the findings of her inquiry public in due course.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-13/inquiry-into-nacc-decision-not-to-probe-robodebt/103974678
Anti-corruption watchdog drops potential probe into Tourism Australia travel scandal – 13 June 2024
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has confirmed it will not launch an investigation into three staff at Tourism Australia who were sacked for charging the organisation for personal travel. The federal opposition is demanding Tourism Australia be forthcoming with details about the incident, now that it is not bound to secrecy with a looming NACC inquiry.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-13/nacc-drops-probe-into-tourism-australia/103974138
Townsville woman charged with allegedly defrauding Far North Qld business more than $2.5 million – 14 June 2024
A 50-year-old woman is accused of defrauding a company of more than $2.5 million. The alleged crimes were uncovered after the business owner reported suspicious financial activity to police last year. Police have charged the woman with about 120 fraud related offences and she’s due to appear in court in August.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 7 June 2024
National drugs syndicate used WA construction firm to launder cash, police allege – 2 June 2024
WA detectives have busted a national drugs syndicate they allege used a local construction firm to launder its dirty money. The alleged head of the syndicate, who used the name Fatboy, was arrested last Saturday, shortly after flying into Perth from NSW.
Digital version required to read article
How Australia is tackling financial crime with technology – 3 June 2024
With more financial transactions moving online, cyber-enabled financial crimes are on the rise. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), 500 ransomware attacks were reported in the 2020-21 financial year, an increase of 15% from the previous year. Continuous investment in technology, alongside a commitment to regulatory compliance and international cooperation, will be pivotal.
https://fintech.global/2024/06/03/how-australia-is-tackling-financial-crime-with-technology/
Austrac issues warning over money ‘mules’ – 4 June 2024
Banks are being urged to be on watch for unusual transactions in accounts opened by international students and migrants, amid a surge in criminals using their access to move funds. Today AUSTRAC released a new financial crime guide to help businesses identify and report suspicious activity related to criminal networks targeting vulnerable international students and temporary residents as money mules.
Trio on trial accused of $21 million fraud plot against NAB – 4 June 2024
Three people are facing trial over an elaborate fraud scheme that allegedly tried to cheat National Australia Bank out of more than $21 million through fake bank vouchers.
The trio each pleaded not guilty to a slew of fraud-related charges and will fight the accusations against them.
Global Corporate Crime and Investigations update – May 2024 – 4 June 2024
This six-monthly publication calls on experts from around the network to provide updates on significant new developments and enforcement trends in their jurisdictions. In Australia, there have been key developments in the Australian corporate crime landscape in relation to sanctions and corporate bribery.
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=6ce81e9b-9c30-483f-83d6-d47a91374eb8
ASIC lawsuit reveals up to $2.8m axed from audit oversight – 4 June 2024
The corporate watchdog has admitted it ripped up to $2.8 million out of its audit and financial report inspection program, resulting in at least six senior analysts being reshuffled or made redundant. It is the first time the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has acknowledged the extent of changes that led to its annual report card on the big four accounting firms’ audit quality being scrapped.
ASIC to implement new threat intelligence platform – 4 June 2024
(ASIC) is to implement a new cyber threat intelligence platform following the receipt of recent federal funding. The financial and business regulator, alongside the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), received $206.4 million from this year’s federal Budget for a program of technology and cyber uplifts. ASIC chair Joseph Longo, said part of the funding will be allocated to implementing a new threat intelligence platform to “improve information collection, time to detection of internal and external cyber threats”.
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/asic-to-implement-new-threat-intelligence-platform-608538
Medibank is being sued by the privacy regulator, a move welcomed by former customers and cybersecurity experts – 5 June 2024
The Australian Information Commissioner is suing Medibank over a data breach at the health insurer in 2022. The Medibank and ahm hack was one of the largest-ever breaches of Australian customers’ data. The commissioner says the health insurer failed to protects it customers data. The maximum potential fine is about $21 trillion but it will be up to the Federal Court to determine the final amount.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-05/medibank-taken-to-federal-court-over-cyber-attack/103936664
UK tech tycoon Lynch cleared of HP fraud charges in $16.5b deal – 7 June 2024
UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch was found not guilty of criminal charges that he pulled off Silicon Valley’s biggest-ever fraud 13 years ago by duping Hewlett Packard into buying his software start-up for 16.5 billion. His victory is stunning after he lost a civil trial in the UK in 2022 over allegations that he and Autonomy’s former finance chief used accounting tricks to inflate the company’s revenue ahead of its 2011 sale.
Study finds ‘pervasive’ culture of sexual harassment of Australian retail workers and few places to turn for support – 7 June 2024
Sexual harassment in the retail industry is ‘pervasive’, according to a University of Sydney study. A combination of customer-first culture and a lack of support means many workers are forced to deal with sexual harassment on their own. The researchers and peak body for the retail sector say better training and support resources are needed in retail workplaces.
Travis Paul Barnard jailed for stealing girlfriend’s superannuation savings after unexpected death – 7 June 2024
Travis Paul Barnard accessed his partner’s superannuation account in the hours after her sudden death. He changed her non-binding beneficiary to himself using her phone, gaining access to more than $300,000. He has been sentenced to 4 years jail.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-07/travis-paul-barnard-girlfriend-superannuation-theft/103951514
Adelaide’s SkyCity casino ordered to pay $67m fine over money laundering case – 7 June 2024
The Federal Court has ordered the operator of Adelaide’s casino to pay a $67 million fine in a money laundering case brought on by AUSTRAC. Allegations in court documents revealed the casino had customers with links to organised crime, loan sharking human trafficking and sex slavery. SkyCity already had set aside more than $70 million to cover the penalty.
