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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 30 June 2026
ASIC says KPMG actions ‘egregious and serious breach of trust’ – 19 June 2026
KPMG is facing intense scrutiny after senior executives appeared before a parliamentary inquiry over allegations of misconduct involving confidential client information and the treatment of a whistleblower. The scandal has damaged the firm’s reputation, prompted leadership changes, and raised broader concerns about governance and ethics within Australia’s major consulting firms.
https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/kpmg-s-day-of-reckoning-arrives-20260618-p6084x
Former Metigy CEO David Fairfull sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment – 19 June 2026
Former Metigy CEO David Fairfull has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to misleading investors and dishonestly using company funds for personal gain. Between 2018 and 2021, Fairfull raised more than $39 million from investors by making false claims about Metigy’s financial performance and later diverted $7.7 million of company funds to purchase residential property.
Victorian phone and seatbelt camera privacy concerns raised by new report – 22 June 2026
A report by the Victorian Auditor-General has raised privacy concerns over the state’s AI-powered mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras, finding the Department of Justice and Community Safety did not adequately assess privacy risks before expanding the program. The audit also found weaknesses in oversight of the external contractor operating the system and recommended stronger privacy protections and governance, while acknowledging the cameras play an important role in improving road safety.
Gold coast man David McWiliams hit with 13 NDIS Fraud charges – 22 June 2026
A Gold Coast property developer has been charged with 13 fraud offences after allegedly misusing more than $10 million of investor funds intended for NDIS housing projects. ASIC alleges the money was spent on luxury cars, cryptocurrency, overseas investments and property instead of disability accommodation.
Meta Pauses Employee-Tracking Program Following Internal Data Leak – 22 June 2026
Meta has paused its controversial employee-tracking program after an internal security breach exposed sensitive staff data collected through the initiative. The program, designed to train AI by recording employees’ keystrokes, mouse movements and screen activity, faced strong privacy concerns from staff before the breach. Although Meta says there is no evidence the data was misused, it has suspended the program while it investigates the incident.
Illegal cigarettes selling in dairies but no packaging prosecutions in a year – 22 June 2026
A Radio NZ investigation has found that illegal cigarettes are being openly sold in some New Zealand dairies, yet the Ministry of Health has not prosecuted anyone for breaches of tobacco packaging laws in the past year. Reporters were able to purchase illicit cigarettes for as little as NZ$13 a packet, with authorities acknowledging enforcement challenges as the black market grows. Health advocates say stronger enforcement is needed to curb the illegal tobacco trade and protect public health.
Best way to combat AI cyber threats is with AI, Five Eyes security agencies say – 23 June 2026
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has warned that governments and businesses must act urgently to strengthen cybersecurity as artificial intelligence rapidly increases the speed, scale and sophistication of cyberattacks. The agencies said AI is already being exploited by malicious actors but can also be used to improve cyber defences, urging organisations to treat cyber risk as a business-wide issue and adopt stronger security measures before threats escalate further.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-23/five-eyes-security-agencies-say-act-swiftly-on-ai/106828686
Robodebt victims share in millions as Australia’s largest-ever class action settlement approved – 23 June 2026
The Federal Court has approved Australia’s largest class action settlement, allowing around 125,000 Robodebt victims to share $475 million in compensation. The increased payout follows findings from the Royal Commission, which exposed the unlawful nature of the scheme and misconduct by some officials. The Robodebt program, which operated between 2015 and 2019, wrongly raised debts against welfare recipients using income averaging and has since cost taxpayers more than $2.4 billion.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/robotdebt-victims-class-action-settlement-approved/sd5arll0g
Daughter of fugitive property developer Jean Nassif pleads guilty to submitting false contracts – 24 June 2026
Ashlyn Nassif, daughter of fugitive developer Jean Nassif, has pleaded guilty to submitting false contracts to help secure a $150 million Westpac loan for a Sydney apartment development. A more serious fraud charge was withdrawn, with sentencing to take place after disputed facts are determined in September.
PwC reassured Finance over NACC probe, data breaches – 24 June 2026
Documents released under FOI reveal that PwC told the Department of Finance it remains under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Australian Federal Police and the Tax Practitioners Board over the tax leaks scandal. The firm is attempting to rebuild trust with government while multiple investigations continue.
Access to the digital version of the Australian required to read article
Whistleblow Laws overhaul: SA ICAC tables sweeping reforms – 25 June 2026
South Australia’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has recommended 61 reforms to strengthen whistleblower protections, including creating an independent body to receive corruption disclosures, expanding legal protections and improving support for people reporting misconduct.
Digital version of Adelaide Now required to read article
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 26 June 2026
ASIC says KPMG actions ‘egregious and serious breach of trust’ – 19 June 2026
KPMG is facing intense scrutiny after senior executives appeared before a parliamentary inquiry over allegations of misconduct involving confidential client information and the treatment of a whistleblower. The scandal has damaged the firm’s reputation, prompted leadership changes, and raised broader concerns about governance and ethics within Australia’s major consulting firms.
https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/kpmg-s-day-of-reckoning-arrives-20260618-p6084x
Former Metigy CEO David Fairfull sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment – 19 June 2026
Former Metigy CEO David Fairfull has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to misleading investors and dishonestly using company funds for personal gain. Between 2018 and 2021, Fairfull raised more than $39 million from investors by making false claims about Metigy’s financial performance and later diverted $7.7 million of company funds to purchase residential property.
Victorian phone and seatbelt camera privacy concerns raised by new report – 22 June 2026
A report by the Victorian Auditor-General has raised privacy concerns over the state’s AI-powered mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras, finding the Department of Justice and Community Safety did not adequately assess privacy risks before expanding the program. The audit also found weaknesses in oversight of the external contractor operating the system and recommended stronger privacy protections and governance, while acknowledging the cameras play an important role in improving road safety.
Gold coast man David McWiliams hit with 13 NDIS Fraud charges – 22 June 2026
A Gold Coast property developer has been charged with 13 fraud offences after allegedly misusing more than $10 million of investor funds intended for NDIS housing projects. ASIC alleges the money was spent on luxury cars, cryptocurrency, overseas investments and property instead of disability accommodation.
Meta Pauses Employee-Tracking Program Following Internal Data Leak – 22 June 2026
Meta has paused its controversial employee-tracking program after an internal security breach exposed sensitive staff data collected through the initiative. The program, designed to train AI by recording employees’ keystrokes, mouse movements and screen activity, faced strong privacy concerns from staff before the breach. Although Meta says there is no evidence the data was misused, it has suspended the program while it investigates the incident.
Illegal cigarettes selling in dairies but no packaging prosecutions in a year – 22 June 2026
A Radio NZ investigation has found that illegal cigarettes are being openly sold in some New Zealand dairies, yet the Ministry of Health has not prosecuted anyone for breaches of tobacco packaging laws in the past year. Reporters were able to purchase illicit cigarettes for as little as NZ$13 a packet, with authorities acknowledging enforcement challenges as the black market grows. Health advocates say stronger enforcement is needed to curb the illegal tobacco trade and protect public health.
Best way to combat AI cyber threats is with AI, Five Eyes security agencies say – 23 June 2026
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has warned that governments and businesses must act urgently to strengthen cybersecurity as artificial intelligence rapidly increases the speed, scale and sophistication of cyberattacks. The agencies said AI is already being exploited by malicious actors but can also be used to improve cyber defences, urging organisations to treat cyber risk as a business-wide issue and adopt stronger security measures before threats escalate further.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-23/five-eyes-security-agencies-say-act-swiftly-on-ai/106828686
Robodebt victims share in millions as Australia’s largest-ever class action settlement approved – 23 June 2026
The Federal Court has approved Australia’s largest class action settlement, allowing around 125,000 Robodebt victims to share $475 million in compensation. The increased payout follows findings from the Royal Commission, which exposed the unlawful nature of the scheme and misconduct by some officials. The Robodebt program, which operated between 2015 and 2019, wrongly raised debts against welfare recipients using income averaging and has since cost taxpayers more than $2.4 billion.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/robotdebt-victims-class-action-settlement-approved/sd5arll0g
Daughter of fugitive property developer Jean Nassif pleads guilty to submitting false contracts – 24 June 2026
Ashlyn Nassif, daughter of fugitive developer Jean Nassif, has pleaded guilty to submitting false contracts to help secure a $150 million Westpac loan for a Sydney apartment development. A more serious fraud charge was withdrawn, with sentencing to take place after disputed facts are determined in September.
PwC reassured Finance over NACC probe, data breaches – 24 June 2026
Documents released under FOI reveal that PwC told the Department of Finance it remains under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Australian Federal Police and the Tax Practitioners Board over the tax leaks scandal. The firm is attempting to rebuild trust with government while multiple investigations continue.
Access to the digital version of the Australian required to read article
Whistleblow Laws overhaul: SA ICAC tables sweeping reforms – 25 June 2026
South Australia’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has recommended 61 reforms to strengthen whistleblower protections, including creating an independent body to receive corruption disclosures, expanding legal protections and improving support for people reporting misconduct.
Digital version of Adelaide Now required to read article
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
Access to digital version of daily telegraph required to read article
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
