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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 17 June 2026
Record $300 million penalties for CFD misconduct – 12 June 2026
The Federal Court imposed record penalties of more than $300 million against Union Standard and associated CFD operators for systemic unconscionable conduct and other breaches affecting retail investors. ASIC described the conduct as “egregious”.
NDIS Scam pair David McWilliams, Laura Fullarton in court – 15 June 2026
The article reports that Gold Coast couple David McWilliams and Laura Fullarton, operators of ALAMMC Development, allegedly raised about $90 million from investors for NDIS housing projects but are accused by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) of diverting large amounts of the money to personal spending, including gambling, luxury travel, supercars, cryptocurrency and other lifestyle expenses.
ASIC permanently bans Abdullah Popal from financial services and credit – 15 June 2026
ASIC permanently banned former adviser Abdullah Popal after fraud convictions involving the transfer of nearly $90,000 from former clients’ bank accounts into his own accounts
KPMG barred from bidding for federal work for three months – 15 June 2026
KPMG Australia has been barred from bidding for new federal government contracts until 30 September 2026 while the government investigates allegations that confidential client information was improperly used to help win audit work. The firm has acknowledged failures in its handling of the matter, leading to senior leadership departures. Existing government contracts will continue, but the suspension represents a major blow to KPMG’s reputation and follows increased scrutiny of the consulting sector after the PwC tax leaks scandal.
Grill’d burger chain sued by ACCC over alleged greenwashing – 16 June 2026
The ACCC is suing Grill’d for alleged greenwashing, claiming its Tree Day Tuesday campaign overstated how many burger purchases resulted in tree-planting donations, potentially misleading customers about the environmental impact of their purchases.
ASIC launches criminal investigation into Zone RV as new allegations emerge – 17 June 2026
ASIC is investigating the collapse of Zone RV after liquidators alleged director David Biggar traded while insolvent and may have breached company laws. The company failed owing $42 million, leaving more than 100 customers millions of dollars out of pocket.
Fair Work Commission rejects Tennis Australia argument that it sacked no one – 17 June 2026
The Fair Work Commission ruled that Tennis Australia effectively dismissed two tennis officials when it cancelled their officiating memberships, rejecting the organisation’s claim that no one had been sacked. The Commission found the cancellations prevented the officials from working at Tennis Australia events, allowing their unfair dismissal claims to proceed. The decision is a setback for Tennis Australia and could have broader implications for the employment status and workplace rights of sports officials.
Former Star casino boss hit with six-year ban, $700k fine – 17 June 2026
Former Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier has been fined $700,000 and banned from managing corporations for six years after the Federal Court found he failed to properly address money-laundering and criminal-risk issues at the casino operator. Former chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin was also fined $400,000 and banned for seven years over governance and risk-management failures linked to the Star casino scandal.
Global ransomware group reportedly claim cyber attack that shut down Mackay Sugar mills – 18 June 2026
A ransomware group called The Gentlemen has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that shut down two Mackay Sugar mills in Queensland for about a week. The claim has not been independently verified, but the incident disrupted harvesting operations and highlighted growing cyber risks to Australia’s agricultural sector.
HSBC’s Australia unit to pay $24.6 million fine over scam protection failures, court rules – 18 June 2026
The Federal Court ordered HSBC Australia to pay a $35 million penalty after ASIC found widespread failures in protecting customers from scams. The bank admitted inadequate controls, slow investigations, and poor responses to scam victims.
Six men charged over alleged plot to distribute hundreds of kilograms of illegally imported drugs – 18 June 2026
Six men have been charged over an alleged $100 million cocaine and methamphetamine importation syndicate after police seized 320kg of drugs in Queensland. Authorities say the drugs were smuggled into the country by sea and investigations are continuing.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 12 June 2026
ASX loses bid to force Digital Assets CEO to Australia for ASIC trial – 5 June 2026
The Federal Court rejected ASX’s request to compel Digital Asset Holdings CEO Yuval Rooz to appear in person for ASIC’s case regarding the failed blockchain-based CHESS replacement project. ASIC alleges ASX misled the market about the progress of the blockchain upgrade before it was ultimately abandoned. The case remains one of Australia’s most significant disputes involving blockchain technology and market disclosure obligations.
Access to digital version of The Australian required to read article4
Fake police scam targets Chinese diaspora with threats and forged documents – 6 June 2026
ABC News reported on a sophisticated scam targeting members of Australia’s Chinese community. Victims are contacted by criminals impersonating Chinese police and government officials, accused of serious crimes such as money laundering, and pressured into transferring funds to prove their innocence. The ACCC reported more than $12 million in losses from these “authority scams” during 2025, making them among the highest-loss scams affecting multicultural communities in Australia.
Accountant Steven Bendel wins landmark case against the ATO – 10 June 2026
Accountant Steven Bendel has won a landmark High Court case against the ATO, with the court ruling that unpaid trust distributions owed to a company beneficiary are not automatically considered “loans” under Division 7A tax rules. The decision overturns the ATO’s long-standing interpretation, potentially benefiting many family trusts and small businesses by reducing the risk of additional tax assessments and allowing some taxpayers to challenge past decisions.
Super funds still failing grieving members on death benefits: ASIC – 10 June 2026
ASIC has warned that many superannuation funds continue to mishandle death benefit claims despite previous enforcement action. The regulator found ongoing delays, poor monitoring and inadequate processes, leaving grieving families waiting longer than necessary for payments. ASIC has indicated that further enforcement action may follow if trustees fail to improve outcomes.
Access to digital version of the Australian n required to read article
AI deepfake scam uses Angus Taylor and Jacqui Lambie in fake investment ads – 10 June 2026
Scammers used AI-generated videos depicting politicians Angus Taylor and Jacqui Lambie in fabricated confrontations to promote a fraudulent AI trading platform. The videos directed users to a fake news website designed to resemble ABC News. The scam highlights the growing use of deepfake technology to lend credibility to investment fraud and harvest personal information from victims
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KPMG loses contracts and leaders amid scandal over alleged confidential leaks. Here’s what you need to know – 10 June 2026
KPMG Australia is facing a major misconduct scandal after whistleblower allegations claimed senior partners improperly used confidential client information to help secure business contracts. The controversy has already led to the resignation of KPMG Australia’s CEO, Andrew Yates, and its national audit head, Julian McPherson. Clients including Lendlease have terminated contracts, while the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched a formal investigation and a parliamentary inquiry is underway.
CFMEU pressured building and construction commission to ‘take action’ against certain contractors, inquiry hears – 10 June 2026
A Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU has heard allegations that former union officials pressured the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) to target specific contractors. Former QBCC licensing manager Graham Easterby told the inquiry that complaints from the union were escalated through ministers and senior officials, raising concerns about political interference and the independence of the building regulator
JB Hi-Fi to refund customers more than $250,000 over allegedly misleading sales – 11 June 2026
JB Hi-Fi will refund more than $250,000 to 206 customers after the ACCC found it had allegedly used misleading “was/now” pricing on 17 products, including laptops, a VR headset and gaming monitors. The watchdog said some advertised discounts were not genuine because the products had either never been sold at the higher price or had only been sold at that price briefly. JB Hi-Fi blamed the issue on system and human errors, has contacted affected customers, and will not face further enforcement action after cooperating with the investigation and providing refunds
Firefighters union and secretary trying to block IBAC’s Operation Richmond report – 12 June 2026
The United Firefighters Union (UFU) and its secretary, Peter Marshall, have been revealed as the parties behind a legal bid to stop the release of IBAC’s Operation Richmond report, which investigated dealings between the union and the former Andrews government during the 2016 fire services dispute. Victoria’s Court of Appeal ruled they could not remain anonymous, although the anti-corruption report itself remains blocked from publication while the legal challenge continues.
Childcare paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith loses appeal to reduce sentence – 12 June 2026
Former childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith has lost his appeal to reduce the 27-year non-parole period attached to his life sentence for sexually abusing 69 children over almost two decades. The Queensland Court of Appeal ruled that the sentence appropriately reflected the extraordinary seriousness of his offending and the devastating harm caused to victims, their families and the wider community, meaning Griffith remains eligible to apply for parole in 2049.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-12/qld-ashley-paul-griffith-loses-appeal/106789618
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 5 June 2026
Ex-Comanchero Damien Stavreas guilty of drug trafficking, money laundering – 2 June 2026
Former bikie gang member Damian Stavreas pleaded guilty to commercial drug trafficking and money laundering offences uncovered through Operation Ironside. Prosecutors say he acted as a mid-level player in a significant drug network.
Access to The Advertiser required to read article
Investigation into the ATO – 3 June 2026
A Current Affair reported on a damning independent investigation into the ATO that found evidence of maladministration and raised concerns that misconduct had become embedded within parts of the organisation. The review, conducted by Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen, examined the ATO’s handling of a long-running tax dispute and found procedural failures, poor decision-making and conduct that fell short of community expectations. Among the most troubling examples was a case where the ATO continued pursuing a taxpayer for five years after her death, causing unnecessary distress to her family.
Sydney man arrested over alleged $1.5million NDIS fraud – 4 June 2026
Authorities announced the arrest of a Sydney man over an alleged $1.5 million NDIS fraud. Investigators allege public funds intended for vulnerable Australians were diverted through fraudulent claims.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/print/pdf/node/11507
QPS Financial Scandal: $400m deficit triggers CCC referral – 4 June 2026
A report found a $400 million deficit within the Queensland Police Service, with allegations that funds earmarked for frontline police were diverted elsewhere. The matter has been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission for investigation.
Financier Lex Greensill banned from running UK companies for nine years – 4 June 2026
Australian financier Lex Greensill has been banned from serving as a company director in the UK for nine years following findings that he breached director duties connected to the collapse of Greensill Capital. While the case is centred in the UK, it remains highly relevant to Australia due to Greensill’s Australian origins and the significant fallout that affected Australian businesses and investors.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/04/lex-greensill-banned-uk-companies-nine-years
MP demands romance scams be ruled financial abuse – 4 June 2026
Independent MP Zali Steggall is pushing for romance scams to be legally recognised as financial abuse. The proposal follows reports that Australians lost more than $28 million to romance scams in 2025. Advocates argue existing laws fail to adequately protect victims who are manipulated into transferring money or taking out loans under false pretences.
Dover Heights home for sale amid alleged fraud case – 5 June 2026
A luxury Sydney property has been placed on the market after becoming linked to an alleged fraud operation. Police allege a woman posing as a spiritual adviser convinced victims to take out large loans through fraudulent promises of wealth and fortune. Authorities claim significant sums were laundered through the operation and multiple fraud-related charges have been laid.
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/rose-bay-home-at-centre-of-70m-fraud-syndicate-up-for-sale
Corporate regulator investigating KPMG Australia partners over audit leak scandal – 5 June 2026
ASIC, has launched a formal investigation into three partners at KPMG Australia following allegations that confidential client information was improperly used to help secure audit contracts. The investigation follows whistleblower claims and recent senior executive departures from the firm. ASIC has issued compulsory notices and indicated the probe could expand as further evidence emerges.
Woman’s life savings drained in minutes while crucial anti-scam laws are delayed – 5 June 2026
An aged-care worker lost more than $33,000 after being deceived by scammers impersonating bank representatives. The case has renewed scrutiny of delayed federal anti-scam legislation and consumer protections. The story highlights growing concerns about financial fraud, with Australians losing billions of dollars annually to scams
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 29 May 2026
UK police assessing sexual misconduct claims against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – 22 May 2026
The article reports that UK police say their investigation into King Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is expected to be lengthy and complex due to allegations involving misconduct in public office, corruption, and alleged sexual misconduct connected to his former role as Britain’s trade envoy. Investigators are reviewing information from multiple witnesses, coordinating with US authorities over material linked to Jeffrey Epstein, and examining claims involving misuse of government information and inappropriate conduct dating back more than a decade. Police stated the inquiry is being treated as a major investigation and may expand further as additional information emerges. Andrew denies wrongdoing and has not been charged, while King Charles has said the royal family will cooperate fully with authorities.
Fund manager Rodney Forrest re-sentenced to five years and three months’ jail following insider trading appeal – 22 May 2026
Rodney Forrest was re-sentenced by the Full Federal Court to five years and three months in prison for insider trading offences involving more than $3 million worth of shares in Platinum Asset Management. His original six-year sentence was reduced by nine months following an appeal. The case involved Forrest: secretly accessing confidential takeover documents from Regal Partners; photographing inside information relating to a proposed takeover of Platinum Asset Management; buying Platinum shares before the information became public; encouraging others to trade using the same information; and leaking details to the media.
NACC boss Paul Brereton resigns, amid pressure over misconduct, defence ties – 25 May 2026
Brereton announced he would step down effective 6 July 2026, saying the intense focus on him personally had become a distraction from the NACC’s work. The controversy centred on: his ongoing advisory relationship with the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF); questions about conflicts of interest; and whether he properly separated his Defence roles from his anti-corruption responsibilities.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-25/nacc-chief-paul-brereton-resigns-amid-defence-ties/106719370
Federal Court orders Westpac to pay $26 million penalty for hardship failures – 27 May 2026
Westpac has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $26 million penalty after ASIC found serious failures in how the bank handled customers experiencing financial hardship. ASIC alleged the bank failed to properly process hardship applications and did not adequately support vulnerable customers, breaching financial services laws. The case forms part of ASIC’s broader crackdown on misconduct in the banking sector.
Shield Fraud victims face delays as AFCA halts Interprac findings – 28 May 2026
The collapse of the Shield and First Guardian investment schemes continues to generate fallout after the Australian Financial Complaints Authority paused final compensation rulings linked to thousands of investor complaints. More than 11,000 Australians allegedly lost around $1.1 billion in retirement savings. ASIC is investigating the role of advisers and licensees connected to the schemes. InterPrac, one of the advisory groups involved, has challenged AFCA decisions in court and reportedly refused to pay some compensation orders.
Access to digital version of the Australian required to read article
New book reveals ICAC’s briefs to DPP delayed years – 28 May 2026
A new book on Australia’s anti-corruption bodies has raised concerns about long delays by the NSW ICAC in referring cases for prosecution. Critics argue the commission has drifted from criminal corruption investigations into broader “morals tribunal” territory, potentially weakening confidence in the system.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/how-icac-became-a-morals-tribunal-that-now-hinders-the-justice-system/news-story/e0d36db193329d322b878e373f5fbaa0
Access to digital version of the Australia required to read article
The Crime and Corruption Commission has concluded its investigation into the failed appointment of a chief health officer – 28 May 2026
The CCC examined concerns surrounding the attempted appointment of infectious diseases expert Dr Krispin Hajkowicz to the Chief Health Officer role. The controversy arose after reports of political interference, internal disagreements, and leaked information connected to the recruitment process.
Access to digital version of the Courier Mail required to read article
ASIC warns PwC may claim privilege in CTM audit probe – 29 May 2026
Australia’s corporate regulator ASIC is intensifying its investigation into Corporate Travel Management and former auditor PwC over allegations involving more than $240 million in overcharging, including contracts linked to the UK government. PwC may attempt to claim legal professional privilege over some documents, which could complicate the investigation. The scandal has already resulted in the resignation of CTM founder Jamie Pherous and suspension of the company from ASX trading.
Access to digital version of the Australian required to read article
CEO Andrew Yates resigns over whistleblower audit scandal – 29 May 2026
CEO Andrew Yates resigned following whistleblower allegations involving audit integrity breaches and misuse of confidential information. The allegations include: audit staff allegedly accessing confidential competitor documents; potential insider information misuse to win contracts; governance failures involving senior executives; and concerns about auditor independence.
