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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 26 January 2024
13 stories this week:
Fujitsu director apologises for British Post Office scandal that saw 900 workers wrongly convicted – 17 January 2024
Nine hundred wrongly convicted British post office workers are on their way to getting justice following a public apology from the company that provided the faulty technology, that led to their false convictions. Multiple managers were imprisoned for theft or fraud for the failures of the accounting software that was first introduced in 1999.
Medion Australia hit with $260,000 fine after SIM-swapping scam leads some telco customers to lose thousands – 17 January 2024
Medion Australia was found to have allowed scammers to take control of customers’ phone numbers by using their personal details to request new SIM cards. Nine customers had their services illegally ported, and five of them together lost more than $160,000, Medion has been forced to pay a $259,440 fine after the watchdog found the telco had not complied with customer identification rules.
What is credential stuffing? How does it work? How can I protect myself from being scammed through my online accounts? – 19 January 2024
Thousands of Australians have been caught up in a fresh wave of scams after their online accounts were hacked and fraudulent purchases were made without their knowledge. The practice is known as “credential stuffing”, and it has long been used as a cyber attack by hackers. Article defines çreditional stuffing, explains how it works, how to protect yourself and explains steps to take if your scammed.
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2024/01/18/data-credential-stuffing-hack
Man charged as investigations into fraudulent finance applications worth over $2m continue – Strike Force Onsite – 19 January 2024
Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man and executed two search warrants as part of an investigation into an allegedly fraudulent finance and loan applications to car dealerships and other finance companies. It’s alleged between September 2022 to July 2023, the syndicate applied for fraudulent finance applications to at least three companies to the value of $2,147,535.00.
Elon Musk Tries To Have NSW Man Arrested For Exposing Tesla Safety Issues – 20 January 2024
An Australian Federal Court judge has rejected a request by the head of American automative company Tesla, Elon Musk, to have an arrest warrant issued against a man accused of uploading leaked documents by a whistleblower. Tesla claims that Leech has continued to share links to the leaked documents on social media, amounting to an offence of contempt of court. The request by Tesla was considered ‘unrealistic’ and a ‘draconian step’.
https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/tesla-tries-to-arrest-nsw-man-over-whistleblower-docs/
American NRA under fire on charges of financial mismanagement – 22 January 2024
A trial is underway in New York that could have significant political implications in the US. The powerful National Rifle Association and its former long time chief Wayne LaPierre are facing a civil lawsuit that alleges financial mismanagement and millions of dollars in fraud that funded lavish lifestyles for top executives.
Pig butchering scam targeting Australians as AFP warns lonely hearts to be wary this Valentine’s Day – 21 January 2024
Pig butchering, also known as romance baiting and Sha Zhu Pan, is a scam in which offenders often devote long periods of time to gain the trust of victims before encouraging them to invest in the share market, cryptocurrency or foreign currency exchanges. The AFP is also cautioning lonely hearts to be wary of organised criminals this Valentine’s Day, as statistics show Australians lost up to $4500 every hour to romance scammers in 2022 and up to $3800 every hour in 2023.
Romance scam money mule has $239k go through her bank account – 22 January 2024
A romance scam money mule who had $239,000 go through her bank account has been convicted and placed on a good behaviour bond.
Digital access to standard required to read article.
Identifying criminals from single cell – 23 January 2024
The latest techniques in genetics can identify an individual from just one cell. A new project is set to explore whether the justice system could use these to create DNA profiles from complex crime scene evidence.
https://www.miragenews.com/identifying-criminals-from-single-cell-1159136/
Corruption and Crime Commission recommends man be prosecuted over alleged $281k hospital fraud – 23 January 2024
WA’s corruption watchdog has called for possible prosecution of a man who allegedly gained hundreds of thousands of dollars through a “devious” fraud while working at a Perth hospital. Suresh Kumar was a senior biomedical engineer at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
He set up a business registered to his wife and added it to the hospital’s list of suppliers, to gain a financial benefit of $281,000.
‘Forensic investigation’ launched after woman charged with drug importation linked to companies that reportedly received Australian and PNG government funds – 24 January 2024
An Australian-funded refugee program in Papua New Guinea will be forensically investigated following allegations a woman arrested over an alleged $15 million drug importation attempt had links to companies in the program.
Crypto pastor admits to fraud on video, claims ‘the Lord told me to’ remodel house with funds – 24 January 2024
Eli Regalado and his wife Kaitlyn are facing civil fraud charges in Colorado after selling a “worthless” cryptocurrency and pocketing $1.3 M of donations in a cryptocurrency scheme. He used Affinity fraud, which is tapping into a community of personal relationships to reach multiple victims and took advantage of the trust and faith of his own Christian community.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-25/crypto-pastor-scams-followers-remodel-house/103380582
Australians lose $135,000 to fake ticketing scams ahead of Taylor Swift concerts in Melbourne and Sydney – 24 January 2024
The ACCC Scamwatch says 273 people reported being scammed into buying fake Taylor Swift tickets on social media, with over $135,000 lost so far. The scammers use hacked social media accounts to put up posts saying they can no longer attend the concert and want to sell their tickets.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 19 January 2024
11 stories this week:
Regulators and reforms: how Australia tackled white collar crime in 2023 and what to expect in 2024 – 10 January 2024
Regulators and enforcement authorities in Australia targeted fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, cybercrime, and corruption across multiple industries, including the financial services and consulting sectors. These enforcement efforts have been, and will continue to be bolstered by the introduction of key amendments to legislation to combat, Environment, social, and governance issues, modern slavery and privacy and data protection.
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/regulators-and-reforms-how-australia-1847134/
Comprehensive law reform, whistleblower protection authority needed to better protect Australia’s whistleblowers – 11 January 2024
The Human Rights Law Centre has called for an overhaul of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PID Act), the federal law protecting public servant whistleblowers, and a whistleblower protection authority to improve transparency and accountability in Australia’s democracy, in a submission to the Attorney-General’s Department. The submission underscores how the PID Act is failing to protect whistleblowers and the need for urgent amendments.
https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2024/01/11/pid-act
Explainer – top six scams to watch out for in 2023 in 2024 – 12 January 2024
Article details the top six scams to watch out for in 2024 including red flags and how to protect yourself. The top six are: AI voice impersonation scams; Term deposit investment scams; Remote access scams using chat; Romance scams;
Ticket scams; and QR code phishing scams.
https://news.nab.com.au/news/explainer-top-six-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2024/
Apple to pay customers $750 million – 12 January 2024
Apple has started paying compensations to customers after a class action lawsuit in the US found the tech giant had deliberately slowed down iPhones. The company claimed the move was designed to improve battery performance, but customers suspected planned obsolescence and that the real motive was to force users to upgrade. The case was settled in 2020, with Apple denying any wrongdoing but agreeing to pay about $750 million in compensation.
https://www.moneymag.com.au/apple-to-pay-customers-750-million
NSW man take to Federal court by Tesla over leaked whistleblower files report – 15 January 2024
A Federal Court has ordered a man from the Mid North Coast to take down from the internet leaked documents obtained from a Tesla whistleblower. The leak reportedly contained more than 100 gigabytes of confidential information, including 2400 complaints from Tesla customers claiming their vehicles “self-accelerated”, with another 1500 allegedly reporting braking malfunction.
https://www.drive.com.au/news/nsw-man-taken-to-court-by-tesla-over-leaked-files/
Australian breach victim’s two-year road to recover from identity theft – 15 January 2024
An Australian data breach victim has detailed two years of misuse of their identity, with relief achieved only by appearing before a magistrate, or registering for services using a parent’s name. Throughout 2023, 45 percent of the listings detected by IDCARE analysts which pertained to the sale or distribution of compromised Australian identity data were found on Telegram, and over 100 new threat actors were identified via the platform.
The transformational power of AI in security – 17 January 2024
AI-powered surveillance cameras have revolutionised the way we approach security, enhancing monitoring capabilities, threat detection, and response systems. This article describes AI used for Enhanced monitoring and real-time analysis, Intelligent threat detection, Facial Recognition and Biometric Analysis, Predictive analytics and crowd management and Streamlined emergency response.
https://securitybrief.com.au/story/the-transformational-power-of-ai-in-security
J.P. Morgan pays US$18m over whistleblower rule breaches – 17 January 2024
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) found J.P. Morgan Securities regularly asked advisory and brokerage clients to sign confidential release agreements, requiring them to keep quiet about settlements or credits they were paid. This action breached Rule 21F-17 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a whistleblower protection that prohibits attempts to impede individuals communicating with the SEC about possible securities law violations. As a result, J.P. Morgan agreed to pay US$18 million ($27.3m) to settle the charges.
Sydney man Xuan Su accused of sending more than 17 million fraudulent text messages in one week fronts court – 17 January 2024
Xuan Su, a Sydney man who allegedly sent over 17 million fraudulent text messages in one week has faced court. At his home Police discovered equipment known as SIM boxes and various SIM cards. These can hold over 250 active SIM cards and typically send out up to 150,000 messages per day.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-17/nsw-court-text-messages-scammer-fraudulent-millions/103350912
NAB appoints receivers to companies at centre of alleged Westpac fraud – 17 January 2024
National Australia Bank has appointed receivers at two companies central to Westpac’s allegation it was the victim of a scheme that falsified revenues, profits and invoices to steal $15 million between 2011 and 2020. Westpac’s claim concerns the Fresh Xpress mango and mandarin stall in Sydney’s Flemington Markets. Owned by Kathie Musumeci, the stall allegedly forged invoices to secure financing that was then passed onto farming and property interests also controlled by her and husband Andrew.
ASIC chief Joe Longo pledges swifter hammer will fall on white-collar criminals – 18 January 2024
Australian Securities and Investment Commission boss Joe Longo is to talk to the new chief Commonwealth prosecutor about speeding up the criminal investigation and charging of corporate crooks. Acknowledging criticisms of long delays in some prosecutions, Mr Longo said there is room for improvement in the “timeliness” of how ASIC investigators and Federal prosecutors handled matters warranting criminal charges.
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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 12 January 2024
10 stories this week:
PayID scams: How criminals are exploiting this ‘safe’ payment system – 23 January 2024
PayID is promoted as a way to avoid scams when making payments, but criminals are targeting its users to steal from people selling items online. Scammers will commonly say that your PayID needs to be “upgraded” to a “business” account. The fake emails and messages deployed as part of the scam will usually direct you to collaborate with the phoney buyer to resolve the issue – a process which will involve an extra payment
https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/online-shopping/selling-online/articles/payid-scams
Apple to settle lawsuit alleging it knowingly allowed gift card scam – 4 January 2024
Apple Inc. has reached a deal to settle a lawsuit that accused the tech giant of knowingly allowing scams that use its gift cards to steal funds from victims. The scams typically involve people asking victims to buy Apple Store or other gift cards and then share the codes that come on the back of the cards, thus giving them access to the money. However, Apple would benefit from the scams too – the scammers would typically only receive 70% of the stolen funds, while Apple kept a 30% commission.
Can My Employer Spy on Me at Work? – 5 January 2024
The proliferation of technology has contributed to a rise in unfair dismissal claims and complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman, some of which have resulted from unlawful surveillance. Employment lawyers are therefore encouraging employers to ensure they understand the rules that apply and the rights of employees before implementing ‘big brother’ measures.
https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/can-my-employer-spy-on-me-at-work/
Stall at centre of alleged $15m Westpac fraud scheme faces ASIC action – 5 January 2024
The director of a mango and mandarin stall at Sydney’s Flemington Markets that allegedly defrauded Westpac of $15 million over five years will be reported to the corporate cop by its liquidators for “investigation and possible prosecution”. The stall – Fresh Xpress – is allegedly at the centre of a scam that falsified revenues, profits and invoices to steal from Westpac, which told the NSW Supreme Court up to 90 per cent of the invoices it received from 2011 to 2020 were suspicious.
Trump should pay $370m for financial fraud, says New York attorney genera – 6 January 2024
New York’s attorney general is seeking $370 million from former president Donald Trump in a fraud case which has seen the real estate mogul accused of inflating the value of his properties. State lawyers also asked the judge overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial to permanently ban Trump from participating in New York’s real estate industry, or from serving as a director or officer at a corporation or legal entity in the state.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/05/trump-civil-fraud-new-york-letitia-james
Countdown to 2024: Four AI-driven trends you must be ready for – 8 January 2024
In this article, Rahul Yadav, Chief Technology Officer for Milestone Systems, explores this AI-driven future where, instead of humans watching video, software does the watching, and humans make decisions. These trends are enhancing operational performance and opening new opportunities in the security sector.
https://channellife.com.au/story/countdown-to-2024-four-ai-driven-trends-you-must-be-ready-for
Scams help drive ‘unsustainable’ increase in complaints about banks, finance firms to AFCA – 9 January 2024
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) says complaints are growing at an “unsustainable” rate and creating delays for consumers. The scheme received more than 100,000 complaints last year – the largest in its five-year history. Banks say they are investing millions in preventing scams but consumer advocates want more action.
Scammers hit Australian Toyota LandCruiser buyer, steal $100,000 – 10 January 2024
A CarExpert reader who is currently in the process of buying a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series in New South Wales claims they were scammed of $100,000. The customer was the victim of an alleged cyber crime involving a phishing email that contained fake bank account details ie. business email compromise scam. The ACCC stated that between January 1, 2023 and September 30, 2023, Scamwatch received 981 business email compromise scam reports which totalled losses of around $13 million.
New Whistleblower Directions and Guidelines – 9 January 2024
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (NT) has published new directions and guidelines regarding whistleblower disclosures and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. They have been prepared in accordance with sections 96 and 106 of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2017.
https://www.miragenews.com/new-whistleblower-directions-and-guidelines-1152990/
The Iconic denies responsibility for data breach – 11 January 2024
The Iconic has denied responsibility for a series of data breaches that saw Aussies’ bank balances drained of thousands of dollars after their accounts with the retailer were compromised. The retailer went on to explain it was “aware” there had been fraudulent access to “a number of” its customers’ accounts but said they were “not as a result of a breach of any of The Iconic’s internal systems”. They said the breach was due to a credential stuffing attack where hackers first steal personal information from compromised websites, phishing or dark web databases. Knowing customers often use the same login details for multiple websites, the hackers then try them on platforms that may not have been the source of the initial attack.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 5 January 2024
19 stories this week:
Inspector-General of Taxation investigates ATO myGov scams that ‘rattle confidence’ in the tax system – 15 December 2023
The inspector-general of taxation is investigating the theft and hijacking of personal information that has allowed millions of dollars of tax fraud by professional scammers. Once inside the account, scammers redirect tax refunds to their own bank accounts, sometimes creating bogus claims and illegally claim refunds belonging to another taxpayer.
Thai police are hunting a notorious fugitive in the jungle. ‘Wealthy Pang’ is daring them to catch him – 15 December 2023
Since escaping custody in late October, Chaowalit Thongduang, has led authorities on a manhunt across multiple provinces, involving over 500 police and costing more than $500,000, all while declaring his innocence via social media and claiming he’s been treated unfairly by the Thai justice system. His widely publicised case has also raised serious questions about corruption and misconduct among police and prison officials in the country and sparked an investigation into some of Thailand’s most powerful institutions.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-15/thailand-wealthy-pang-criminal-taunts-police/103225890
Vatican jails cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was once a papal contender, for fraud over London property deal – 17 December 2023
A Vatican court has sentenced a once-powerful Italian cardinal to five years and six months in jail for financial crimes. Angelo Becciu and nine others were on trial for financial crimes related to a London property purchase. Becciu is accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-17/vatican-sentences-cardinal-angelo-becciu-fraud/103238616
Inside the ‘bizarre’ financial crime that connects an outback town to a Melbourne school – 17 December 2023
Mudasir Mohammed Naseeruddin was arrested and charged in late 2020 in relation to dishonest conduct against six investors with around $500,000 in self-managed super funds. It is alleged that at least 28 SMSFs were created with a total of $2.4 million. After pleading guilty, Naseer had his bail revoked pending sentencing. He now faces up to 15 years in jail.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-17/smsf-super-fraud-investment-scams-accc-asic/103233956
Market manipulation – an evolving space to watch – 20 December 2023
A Recent ASIC investigation has led to the managing director of Eneco Refresh Ltd (Eneco), to plead guilty to one count of market manipulation and one count of creating a false or misleading appearance of active trading. Eneco is a company that produces bottled water and is listed on the ASX. ASIC’s allegations include that the managing director used the names of his family members 24 times to manipulate Eneco’s share price. Each contravention of market manipulation carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.
ASIC’s focus in 2023 – Enforcement Priorities – 20 December 2023
ASIC’s enforcement priorities for 2023 focused on greenwashing, predatory lending, and interrupting investment scams. As we move into the new year it is important that Licensees keep in mind the 2023 enforcement priorities as ASIC is likely to continue to take enforcement action in these areas in addition to the 2024 enforcement priorities.
Airbnb Fined A$15 Million For Misleading 63,000 Australian Customers – 21 December 2023
Airbnb has been slapped with an A$15 million fine and has agreed to pay compensation after misleading nearly 63,000 Australian customers. Certain property rentals on the company’s website were in US dollars instead of the local Australian currency, a detail not initially communicated. It led to unexpected higher costs for some users for their lodgings.
Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy in wake of court order to pay $217m in defamation damages – 22 December 2023
Rudy Giuliani has filed for bankruptcy just days after being ordered to pay $US148 million ($217 million) to two former Georgia election workers he falsely accused of fraud following Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential election loss. Mr Giuliani also faces criminal charges in Georgia. Mr Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing will pause all of the pending civil lawsuits against him.
Scammer sentenced for defrauding vulnerable Australians – warrant issued for alleged scheme mastermind – 22 December 2023
A man was recently sentenced for his role in a scam in which perpetrators impersonated government employees – including claiming to be from the AFP – and defrauded Australians of over $153,000. The victims were told they had the option to be arrested for money laundering offences or settle the matter by providing identity information, funds and bank details to the ‘government employee’ on the phone. By choosing the latter option, victims were allegedly instructed to pay the syndicate through a variety of methods.
Sydney woman charged over alleged card skimming scheme worth $3.75 million as police warn public to be wary of Christmas scams this holiday season – 23 December 2023
A woman was arrested following an investigation into an alleged card skimming scheme worth $3.75 million. She was charged with 133 offences including participation in criminal group and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, and 131 charges of deal with identity information to commit indictable offence.
Australia’s NACC Initiates New Investigations Amid Calls for Stronger Whistleblower Protections – 26 December 2023
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Australia has initiated an in-depth probe into ten new cases even as it rejected a whopping 88% of the 2,327 referrals it has received to date. Independent MP Helen Haines, underscored the urgent need for robust whistleblower protections. She pointed out the glaring deficiencies in the existing system that fails to safeguard individuals of the likes of David McBride and Richard Boyle.
Hackers stole $2 billion in crypto in 2023, data shows – 27 December 2023
For yet another year, hackers stole billions of dollars in crypto. But for the first time since 2020, the trend is downwards, according to crypto security firms. This year, hackers stole around $2 billion dollars in crypto across dozens of cyberattacks and thefts. The year before, hackers stole $3.3 billion. It’s impossible to predict what will happen in 2024. But given the poor security implemented by many crypto and web3 projects and the sheer amount of monetary value they hold, , we can expect hackers to continue targeting the growing industry.
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/hackers-stole-2-billion-crypto-140555052.html
Workplace cultural issues continue to plague Australian Antarctic Division, leaked survey shows – 29 December 2023
A leaked internal survey shows there are still morale issues and concerns about reporting harmful behaviours at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). The previous review revealed multiple staff complaints about a predatory culture of sexual harassment, including everything from unwanted requests for sex to offensive displays of pornography. One expeditioner who responded to the survey said the AAD workforce was “the most monocultural” place they had worked at.
‘Pig butchering’: Scammers using slaves in Southeast Asia to rob billions from victims in cryptocurrency scam – 29 December 2023
Reporters at CNN conducted an investigation into ‘pig butchering’: where scammers pretend to be women online, building relationships with victims and influencing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms before taking the money themselves. In Southeast Asia, workers from various countries have been trafficked to Myanmar. These workers are then forced by Chinese crime syndicates to conduct online pig butchering scams for them, taking billions of dollars for the owners of the organisations. According to the FBI, pig butchering scams caused losses of up to $4.2 billion throughout 2023.
Andy Cohen scammed out of ‘a lot of money’ by fraudster who got his bank account details – 2 January 2024
TV personality Andy Cohen was scammed after a fraudster duped him into handing over his personal details over the phone. The fraudsters hacked the caller ID system, so the name of Cohen’s bank appeared when they dialled him and named credits he had made – the charges – because had access to the account. The TV host said by the time he realised he was being scammed, it was too late.
US court releases list of people connected to deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein – 3 January 2024
The names of more than 150 people mentioned in a lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, were kept under seal for years until a federal judge ruled last month that there was no legal justification to keep them private.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-04/jeffrey-epstein-associate-names-to-be-released/103283648
The secret donors behind the millions in ‘dark money’ fuelling WA politics – 4 January 2024
Most of the millions donated to WA political parties is shrouded in secrecy with donors denying they are seeking influence over policy. But ‘cash for access’ is how some characterise it and legal loophole is protecting their identities – meaning we may never know who is paying for access to the highest levels of government.
