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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 1 March 2024
12 stories this week:
Class action filed as Apple and Google are accused of breaching legislation – 22 Feburary 2024
Millions of Australians are unknowingly taking on Apple and Google in a massive class action beginning next month. The tech giants are accused of breaching Australian Consumer Law, by forcing app developers to use their payment systems, in turn leading to higher prices for apps by consumers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNmLh8Fok0
‘Uncontrollable’: We’re facing a scams ‘epidemic’, and this is what’s driving it – 22 Feburary 2024
Artificial intelligence is fuelling an epidemic of online financial scams, cyber security experts warn. In 2022, Australians lost more than $3 billion to scams – $377 million involving fraudulent investment schemes. The warning comes alongside an AAP FactCheck investigation into cryptocurrency scams targeting the Pacific Islands.
The AFP could learn a lesson from Oregon about engaging the public on surveillance technologies – 22 Feburary 2024
The investigation of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its misuse of Auror, a digital surveillance platform collecting and flagging data about criminal suspects, reveals a disturbing pattern of privacy violations. Article explains how in Portland, Oregon they embraced public engagement, getting those impacted involved, and rebuilt trust as a solution.
GST registration to become “slower and potentially more difficult” after $2 billion fraud – 22 Feburary 2024
The wave of fake ABN and GST registrations resulted in $2 million worth of brazen fraud. ATO has consequently changed its approach to ABN and GST signups, to the detriment of small businesses doing the right thing. The ATO has also identified nine current contractors and three current employees as participants in the fraud.
Coles, Woolworths Profit from High-Tech Surveillance Control – 23 Feburary 2024
Australian Council of Trade Unions and the ACCC have found that Coles and Woolworths have engaged in unfair pricing practices. An ongoing Senate inquiry into food prices is now looking at how these practices are linked to inflation; and the ACCC has just begun a government-directed inquiry into potentially anti-competitive behaviour in Australia’s supermarkets. Furthermore, Coles and Woolworths are both implementing technologies that treat the supermarket as a “problem space” in which workers are controlled, customers are tracked and profits are boosted.
https://www.miragenews.com/coles-woolworths-profit-from-high-tech-1179723/
Australia: Australian Corporate Crime And Investigations Outlook 2024 – 27 Feburary 2024
This article explores new corporate crime and investigations issues to watch in 2024. Environmental, social and governance is highlighted and we can expect to continue to see companies exposed to regulatory and enforcement scrutiny, where there has been an inadequate appreciation of corporate crime expectations, within the risk environment.
https://www.mondaq.com/australia/corporate-crime/1429572/australian-corporate-crime-and-investigations-outlook-2024
Crypto king’s passport seized over $50m collapse – 28 Feburary 2024
The Chinese director of Blockchain Global has been banned from leaving Australia, while a criminal investigation looks into the $50m collapse of the firm.
Access to digital version of the Australian required to read article
AI deepfake scams surge with celebrity voice cloning on social media – 28 Feburary 2024
Advanced AI technology has increased the frequency of celebrity deepfake scams, particularly audio scams on popular social media platforms such as Facebook. These scams use voice cloning technology to replicate the tone and speech patterns of notable celebrities, including Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Elon Musk, and YouTube star Mr. Beast.
Police bust alleged Gold Coast-based ‘boiler room’ investment fraud ring – 29 Feburary 2024
Police have charged five people allegedly behind an investment fraud operation, which claimed $3 million from at least 300 victims. A 60-year-old woman has been charged with money laundering, fraud, and personation in general – falsely represent, while two men, have been charged with one count each of money laundering and fraud.
Unnamed ‘traitor’ politician cultivated by spies puts loyalty of all politicians in question, says former treasurer – 29 Feburary 2024
Australian intelligence has revealed a retired politician was recruited by an international spy ring, and in one plot attempted to introduce a prime minister’s family to their foreign handlers. Former treasurer Joe Hockey says every politician will be questioned as a traitor, until the politician recruited by spies is named.
Facebook Marketplace has become the home of scammers. The problem may be getting worse – 1 March 2024
Facebook Marketplace dominates reports of online buying scams and the problem appears to be getting worse. NAB reports of “buying and selling” scams increased 78 per cent in the final quarter of 2023, with most of these reports involving social media or an online marketplace. The Australian government is preparing a mandatory code that would require digital platforms to do more to block scammers and scam listings.
Fraud-accused arrested for allegedly claiming $16,000 in River Murray flood recovery funding – 1 March 2024
A 47-year-old woman allegedly submitted false applications involving two flood relief grants in December 2022 and March 2023. She was arrested in Encounter Bay last month and charged with fraud offences. Police and government authorities will assess other applications for potential fraudulence.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 23 February 2024
14 stories this week:
Insurance industry accuses ‘claim management’ services of misleading customers, increasing premiums – 15 February 2024
The Insurance Council of Australia says claim management companies use misleading tactics to attract customers. The companies act as intermediaries for insurance claims but often add extra fees to the claim. The industry would like to see tighter regulation by ASIC and state consumer protection.
Navy chief refers allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving sexual conquests to military police – 15 February 2024
Allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour inside the Royal Australian Navy have been referred to military police, with parliament being told the matter involves an “officer-only conquest club”.
Australian Federal Police officer William Wheatley to fight crypto fortune theft allegations – 16 February 2024
William Wheatley, a cyber crime police officer will fight allegations he stole a cryptocurrency fortune seized during a drug trafficking investigation. Mr Wheatley has denied he is responsible for the alleged crypto theft and will appear in the County Court.
Julian Assange – The Controversial Whistleblower And The Quest For Transparency – 16 February 2024
Julian Assange. The Australian-born computer programmer, journalist, and founder of WikiLeaks has become a focal point in debates over press freedom, government transparency, and cyber-security. His story is outlined in this paper, describing a complex web of political intrigue, legal battles, and ethical questions that continue to stir global discourse.
https://washingtonindependent.com/julian-assange/
A Whistleblower Protection Authority in Australia? – 18 February 2024
Transparency International and the Human Rights Centre have released draft principles for a whistleblower protection authority and there is hope that the Attorney-General’s Department, may look at it as part of current considerations for public sector reforms. This broadcast, looks at what whistleblowing protection authorities look like overseas, and what can Australia learn from them?
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sundayextra/whistleblowing-design-principles/103465754
F1 makes first statement on Red Bull investigation of Christian Horner – 19 February 2024
Red Bull is investigating its team principal Christian Horner, after allegations of workplace misconduct were made public. Horner has been subjected to a meeting with investigators, and further allegations made in Dutch media last week, allege the misconduct against a female employee may be sexual.
Kate McClymont on crime, corruption and courts – 19 February 2024
Kate has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. She’s exposed corruption at the highest levels of politics, she’s also lead investigations into financial conwoman Melissa Caddick, high profile neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, High Court Judge Dyson Heydon, and media personalities Don Burke and Alan Jones. Listen to this interview on ABC talking about crime and corporate reporting.
A refresher on Australia’s whistleblower laws – 19 February 2024
It’s time for businesses to think about the year ahead and legal and compliance teams to look at updating their compliance policies and undertaking compliance training. This article will assist with a refresher on the whistleblower requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act).
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=86390711-e80e-48a9-89b7-6697f3b809b9
Federal Court finds NAB fraud secrecy claim has ‘air of a Kafka novel’ – 19 February 2024
The National Australia Bank falsely identified a Melbourne bullion dealer as a scammer and told his now “hysterical” customers they had purchased more than $600,000 in gold that was either fake or never existed.
After the dealer sued the bank, NAB argued the case should be kept secret from the public because of laws and regulations. The federal Court dismissed the company’s application for a suppression order. NAB has filed a defence and denies the allegations.
Australia holds Chinese man over suspected North Korea tobacco smuggling – 20 February 2024
A Chinese man is being held in Australia over his alleged role in a tobacco smuggling scheme that generated $700m for North Korea. Jin Guanghua now awaits extradition to the US, where he faces prosecution for a number of sanctions, bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy offences.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68344790
Halls Creek Shire defends Olabud Doogethu Indigenous program amid investigation of ex-CEO Phillip Cassell – 20 February 2024
Halls Creek Shire has asked for community patience regarding an investigation into the former CEO(Phillip Cassell), over allegations of workplace misconduct. The controversy has sparked community backlash and calls for more transparency.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-20/halls-creek-ceo-phillip-cassell-investigation/103485554
Tool to prevent AI scams raised Aussies’ Tinder hit rates by 67pc – 21 February 2024
Tinder is expanding its identity verification program at a time when artificial intelligence can make it hard to tell who’s real and crime is rising on dating apps. The process requires a valid driver’s license or passport and a self-recorded video. A third-party vendor checks the birth date and whether the face in the video selfie matches the individual’s profile photos and ID.
Judge orders Trump to pay $355 million for lying about his wealth in staggering civil fraud ruling – 22 February 2024
A New York judge ordered Donald Trump to pay $355 million (€329.4 million) in penalties, finding that the former US president lied about his wealth for years in a sweeping civil fraud verdict that pierces his billionaire image but stops short of putting his real estate empire out of business.
Russian linked to Medibank hack reportedly detained for alleged cyber crimes – 22 February 2024
Russian man Aleksandr Ermakov, who was named responsible for the 2022 Medibank hack, has reportedly been detained in Russia over alleged cyber crimes. In January, the federal government named Mr Ermakov as the hacker responsible for the data breach in January, and used new cyber laws for the first time to lay financial sanctions on the Russian national. Australian intelligence has linked Mr Ermakov to the hacking syndicate REvil, a Russian cybercrime gang that supplies hacking tools to novices in return for a cut of any ransoms paid.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 16 February 2024
15 stories this week:
Golf Course Developer Ensnared in Tax Scandal – 9 February 2024
Hightrade Group executive Li Zhang has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, for conspiring with the intention to cause a loss to the Commonwealth of $ 15 million. The fraud involved the use of multiple related companies that grossly inflated construction costs between themselves, and ultimately failed to remit the GST to the ATO. There were also claims of company purchases that simply didn’t exist.
https://www.miragenews.com/golf-course-developer-ensnared-in-tax-scandal-1170951/
Crypto-based product needs financial services licence, says Federal Court – 10 February 2024
The Federal Court has ruled that the fintech firm Block Earner must possess a financial services licence to offer its cryptocurrency-backed product. This landmark judgment marks one of the initial applications of financial services law to crypto-based products, with the court determining that Block Earner had been providing financial services without a licence and had operated an unregistered managed investment scheme.
Banks Come Together to Deploy Facial Recognition and Behavioral Biometrics Against Fraud – 10 February 2024
In a decisive move against the rising wave of scams, Australian banks have joined hands to launch the Scam Safe Accord, which is an initiative introducing mandatory biometric checks for new account openings. The collaborative effort involves a coalition of major commercial banks and customer-owned banks, collectively committing to a robust defence against scammers.
Crossbench backs financial rewards for whistleblowers – 12 February 2024
Whistleblowers could receive multimillion-dollar rewards for disclosing corporate and government wrongdoing under a plan being advocated by crossbench politicians, lawyers, academics and transparency bodies. Establishing a reward scheme is one of 10 design principles underpinning a Whistleblower Protection Authority, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus is being urged to establish, in the government’s next tranche of reforms.
Man charged with murder and fraud in connection with death of former councillor – 12 February 2024
Sakander Hussain has been charged with murder and fraud in connection with the death of a former councillor in Birmingham.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/man-charged-murder-fraud-connection-172312731.html
Vida thought ‘Graeme’ was a real, genuine man. She lost $32,000 in an elaborate romance baiting ‘pig butchering’ scam – 12 February 2024
Sydney single mum Vida* thought she’d met a lovely, genuine man on the dating platform. Two weeks later, she was scammed out of $32,000 – all borrowed funds from family and friends. The type of scam goes by the brutal term ‘pig butchering’. Its name from the concept of fattening up an animal for slaughter. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-12/pig-butchering-romance-crypto-scam/103400910
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news-alerts/scam-alert-online-dating-and-investment-scams
Small licensees not immune from ASIC surveillance – 12 February 2024
Smaller licensees should be aware that they are just as much on ASIC’s radar as their larger counterparts as increased data and technology means the regulator has greater transparency than ever, according to a compliance expert.
Superannuation scams are costing Australians millions. Can we stop them? – 12 February 2024
Super scams are on the rise and can be devastating for those impacted but not all super funds thoroughly check ID, even for high-risk actions like moving super into a new fund. Super Consumers Australia says the government should introduce an anti-scam code for funds to follow, to help protect people from costly scams.
Australian consumer groups pushing hard as government develops scam regulatory framework – 13 February 2024
Australian consumer groups and community legal centres are pushing for reimbursement to be included in the scam regulatory framework, currently being developed by the government. They also want rules requiring banks to be more proactive in telling victims about recovery processes, and an obligation to report all confirmed scams.
Australia Moves To Tackle ‘Doxxing’ After Jews Targeted – 13 February 2024
Australia has promised new laws to prohibit “doxxing” — the malicious publication of private details online — after hundreds of Jewish Australians had personal information spread across the web. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had asked for legislation to be brought forward as part of a broader reform of privacy laws.
https://www.barrons.com/news/australia-moves-to-tackle-doxxing-after-jews-targeted-c781e6b0
150 tax office staff investigated over $2 billion social media fraud – 13 February 2024
Up to 150 Australian Taxation Office staff have been investigated for suspected involvement in a social media scam that ripped off $2 billion. The ATO workers were investigated as part of Operation Protego, set up to target people who benefited from fake GST refunds. Social media videos also offered advice on how people could claim more money through GST refunds. Since the operation was set up, more than $2 billion has been reclaimed by the tax office, while a further $2.7 billion was stopped from being transferred just before payment was made. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/150-tax-office-staff-investigated-in-2-billion-social-media-fraud/fq8doz78b
ASIC permanently bans Yanchep adviser for fraud – 14 February 2024
ASIC has issued two permanent bans against financial adviser Mark Raymond Sebo due to fraud convictions, specifically for stealing funds from his clients’ superannuation accounts. Sebo, formerly the director of Platinum Perpetual Global Private Wealth, was found guilty on 36 counts of theft under the Criminal Code WA.
William Wheatley: Australian Federal Police officer accused of pocketing missing cryptocurrency fortune – 14 February 2024
A federal police officer has appeared in court accused of pocketing a cryptocurrency fortune allegedly seized from an online drug-trafficking ring. He has been accused of theft, dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime, and using information to dishonestly benefit himself.
Whistleblower reform | New report offers suggested blueprint for a central Whistleblower Protection Authority – 14 February 2024
Transparency International, the Human Rights Law Centre and Griffith University have released a joint report outlining ten design principles to inform the establishment of a (proposed) new, Whistleblower Protection Authority (WPA). These are outlined in this paper.
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ac5b5dbe-6da3-4d65-96fc-931ada67d7f2
Former South Asian centre president accused in $360K fraud, police say – 15 February 2024
The Windsor Police Service has charged the former president of the South Asian Centre of Windsor with defrauding the organization over a 12-year period. Officers discovered that a total of $362,739 intended for the charity was instead deposited into the suspect’s personal bank accounts.” The allegations have not been tested in court.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/windsor-man-81-accused-defrauding-183129599.html
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 9 February 2024
14 stories this week:
William O’Dwyer sentenced to four years’ jail over Ralan collapse – 2 February 2024
Former high-flying Sydney and Gold Coast property developer William O’Dwyer was handed a four-year jail term on Friday after pleading guilty to six fraud-related charges following the $560 million collapse of his Ralan Group in 2019. The charges that O’Dwyer pleaded guilty to, related to a period between April 17, 2015, and June 6, 2018, when by deception, he dishonestly obtained for companies in the Ralan Group the ability to draw down on finance facilities totalling $251 million.
WA Police crack alleged international money laundering racket – 2 February 2024
WA Police have foiled an alleged international money laundering operation, finding a multimillion-dollar haul of luxury items in Perth’s north-west. Among the items seized was an $80,000 Louis Vuitton trunk. There was also a $42,000 clutch by the designer and $6500 monogrammed teddy bear. It is alleged that the money and cards to commit money laundering offences and the proceeds of these offences were used to buy the luxury items and land.
Westpac cops puny fine for insider trading. What’s the scam? – 2 February 2024
Westpac has been fined a paltry $1.8 million for a trade that netted the bank over $20M in behaviour akin to insider trading. The scam was all in a day’s work back in September 2016 for the Westpac traders, who themselves netted $3.7M in bonuses to the detriment of the buyers. When ASIC took Westpac to the court in 2021, the bank accused Westpac and their merry band of brokers of insider trading, a crime punishable by massive fines for the company and up to ten years in jail for the individuals involved.
https://michaelwest.com.au/westpac-puny-fine-insider-trading/
On-site learning for AI systems set to change up the surveillance industry – 2 February 2024
Article details the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, and how there is a significant surge in AI adoption within the physical security market. While AI has already made substantial contributions to security through advanced monitoring features like human and vehicle detection, Missing Object alerts and more, the next leap forward lies in the realm of customisable on-site learning for AI systems. This advancement is expected to revolutionise how businesses utilise data for security and operational purposes.
Wanted Sydney property developer Jean Nassif sends millions to Lebanon, Nigeria in potential fraud, administrators say – 3 February 2024
A report into Jean Nassif’s company Toplace reveals he used millions of dollars to buy land in Lebanon and warehouses in Nigeria. The administrators’ report also alleges he transferred $10 million to an account likely owned by his brother. Police say an investigation into Mr Nassif, who is believed to be in Lebanon, is ongoing.
Aussie billionaire Andrew Forrest targeted in a deepfake scam promoting a fraudulent crypto platform – 3 February 2024
Aussie billionaire Dr Andrew Forrest has lashed at Facebook’s parent company Meta after he was featured in a deep fake crypto video scam. The businessman and mining magnate, nicknamed Twiggy, had his identity used to spruik a get-rich-quick scheme with the ad circulating on Instagram. The manipulated video, that surfaced late last month on the Meta-owned platform, shows ‘Dr Forrest’ urging users to sign up for a fraudulent platform that promises to make “ordinary people” thousands of dollars daily.
Whistleblowers should have possibility of their risks being federally covered – 5 February 2024
If staff knew they could be compensated for losing their jobs when they reported fraud with public money, they would have the option to go with their best instincts and speak up rather than turn a blind eye to their livelihoods. A great paper that advocates that whistleblowers should be rewarded for speaking up whilst highlighting the difference in legislation around whistle blowing in the US.
Final person sentenced over Operation Elbrus tax fraud – 5 February 2024
A Sutherland man was jailed for 4 years and 6 months with a non-parole period of 2 years and 3 months by the Supreme Court of NSW for his role in a $105 million tax fraud, becoming the final person to be sentenced under Operation Elbrus. The operation revealed that a group of people used payroll services companies to divert pay-as-you-go withholding tax and goods and services tax owed to the Australian Taxation Office.
https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/final-person-sentenced-over-operation-elbrus-tax-fraud-2/
Finance worker at global firm conned into transferring $38 million after deepfake scammers impersonate his boss – 5 February 2024
A finance employee at a global company has been deceived into transferring $38.8 million to scammers who used advanced deepfake technology to stage a fake meeting with his boss. Scammers were able to use cutting-edge technology to impersonate the Hong Kong’s firm’s chief financial officer during a video call. The finance worker was successfully hoodwinked, and transferred the eight-figure sum straight into their pockets. This complex fraud saw the employee lured into a fake video conference under the impression of meeting with various colleagues.
Clive Palmer loses bid to halt criminal proceedings over alleged fraud and dishonesty – 6 February 2024
Queensland’s court of appeal dismisses applications by Clive Palmer and his Coolum resort relating to charges brought by corporate watchdog. Some charges relate to an allegation that Palmer and Leisure Coolum broke the law over a proposed buyout of timeshare investors in the Sunshine Coast resort without making an offer within the required two-month time limit. Palmer is also accused of improperly transferring more than $12m through his company Mineralogy to Media Circus and Cosmo Developments, and ultimately using the funds for the 2013 federal election campaign for the Palmer United party, now known as the United Australia party.
Former Launceston General Hospital head allegedly falsified medical certificates of death, inquiry hears – 6 February 2024
Launceston General Hospital nurse and midwife Amanda Duncan has told an inquiry the hospital’s former head of medical services allegedly falsified medical certificates of death. Ms Duncan told the committee she had received 11 reports from doctors and nurses who had disclosed alleged misconduct relating to the death of a patient, including falsified medical certificates of death. Ms Duncan is calling on the department to investigate the allegations she has raised, and for a commission of inquiry to investigated health system failures in Tasmania.
Former Renewal SA staffer fined for tipping her bosses off to an ICAC investigation against them – 7 February 2024
Stephanie Hardy was given a fine for disclosing information about an anti-corruption investigation against her bosses.
The court heard that the woman felt obligated to let her bosses know even though it was illegal to release information about an ICAC matter. Hardy avoided a conviction but was handed a $1,000 fine.
Report unveils emerging AI challenges in financial crime
ComplyAdvantage, a leader in artificial intelligence-driven fraud and anti-money laundering risk detection, has researched and reported on fraud, money laundering, and financial crime in the world of AI. Their recent report details key insights on AI’s role in combatting fraud.
NSW government to rewrite ministerial code in wake of Berejiklian ICAC findings – 7 February 2024
The state’s corruption watchdog recommended new guidelines for selflessness, integrity, honesty, and leadership which now will be included in the ministerial code of conduct. Parliamentarians will be forced to disclose more information in the wake of investigations into Gladys Berejiklian and John Sidoti. The changes will be made from July 1, after the government consults with parliamentary committees.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-07/nsw-government-icac-findings-berejiklian-sidoti/103436156
