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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 22 May 2026
Australia – Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Regulations 2026 – 5 May 2026
Updated anti-money laundering guidance highlights growing risks involving digital payments, organised crime networks, illicit tobacco proceeds, and cross-border laundering activity. Regulators flagged stronger enforcement action across casinos, wagering companies, and financial institutions.
AUSTRAC warns of evolving money laundering threats – 15 May 2026
AUSTRAC released its annual update warning that criminal networks are increasingly using sophisticated and transnational methods to exploit Australia’s financial system. The report highlights emerging risks involving illicit tobacco, digital channels, and evolving laundering techniques.
SMSF Scams and Early Access: ATO Warnings for Australians – 19 May 2026
This article highlights warnings from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and ASIC about scams involving self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and illegal early access to superannuation. Regulators say scammers are targeting Australians through social media, online advertising, and cold calls, encouraging people to establish SMSFs so they can access their retirement savings before they are legally entitled to do so. These schemes often involve rolling superannuation into an SMSF and withdrawing funds for personal use while promoters charge large fees or take a portion of the money.
https://kalkine.com.au/news/smsf/smsf-scams-and-early-access-ato-warnings-for-australians
NSW authorities highlight major fraud cases targeting Australians – 20 May 2026
NSW police and government officials highlighted several major fraud prosecutions from the past year, including fake finance applications, rental scams, employee theft, and fraudulent building schemes. The report noted that personal fraud affected millions of Australians in 2024–25.
Queensland yacht broker loses appeal over $800k fraud case – 21 May 2026
Dianne Barbara Lyons lost her appeal against convictions relating to an $800,000 yacht import fraud. The court found she redirected client payments intended for yacht purchases to cover personal financial obligations, causing major losses for customers.
ASIC enters final stages of Shield, First Guardian probe – 21 May 2026
ASIC has taken Federal Court action against Equity Trustees over its role in the collapse of the First Guardian Master Fund, alleging it failed to properly check risks before allowing the high-risk fund onto its platform, contributing to about $65 million in investor losses.
Tabcorp appoints ex-Austrac boss amid AML probe – 21 May 2026
Gambling giant Tabcorp has appointed former AUSTRAC CEO Paul Jevtovic to oversee its response to an ongoing anti-money laundering investigation. Regulators are examining whether Tabcorp failed to properly manage risks linked to suspicious betting activity and customer monitoring processes
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NDIS integrity inquiry hears raft of alarming claims and calls for greater whistleblower protections – 21 May 2026
A raft of new concerns has been aired at a parliamentary inquiry into the integrity of the NDIS. Lawyers renewed calls to bolster whistleblower protections, while authorities told the hearing they were still encountering barriers in their anti-fraud work. The committee is expected to report on July 2.
Container Exchange depot operator U Can Recycle accused of ‘behaviour of concern’ sues for millions – 21 May 2026
The article reports a Federal Court case involving Queensland’s container deposit scheme operator Container Exchange (COEX) and recycler U-Can Recycle, focusing on alleged unfair competition and governance issues within the “Containers for Change” system. The case could influence how recycling refund schemes are managed in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-21/container-exchange-u-can-recycle-federal-court-case/106642970
Prison term looms for ex-AFL footballer Nick Stevens as victims tell court of impact – 21 May 2026
Former AFL player Nick Stevens has appeared in court for a pre-sentence hearing after being found guilty of multiple fraud-related charges. He was convicted of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, involving allegations that he accepted money from families for swimming pool construction work that was never completed or left unfinished, causing significant financial losses.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor police inquiry looks at ‘sexual misconduct and corruption’ in bombshell development – 22 May 2026
The article reports that British police say their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, is expected to be lengthy and complex as detectives examine allegations linked to misconduct in public office during his time as the UK’s trade envoy. The inquiry reportedly stems from material released in the Jeffrey Epstein files and now includes broader allegations involving possible sexual misconduct, corruption, and misuse of official information.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/andrew-mountbatten-windsor-police-inquiry-052624646.html
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 15 May 2026
Former Knox Grammar teacher escapes jail for child grooming offenc – 8 May 2026
Former Knox Grammar School teacher William Gulson avoided jail after being convicted of grooming a child for sexual activity online. The court heard Gulson exchanged explicit messages on Grindr with someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy, despite acknowledging the child’s age during the chats. He received a three-year community corrections order, 400 hours of community service and was placed on the NSW Child Protection Register for eight years.
AUSTRAC steps up supervision of virtual assets sector as reforms take effect- 8 May 2026
AUSTRAC announced targeted compliance campaigns against cryptocurrency exchanges and over-the-counter crypto operators operating in Australia. The regulator is increasing scrutiny of virtual asset service providers as tougher anti-money laundering reforms begin. Authorities are particularly concerned about crypto-to-cash transactions being used for scam proceeds and money laundering.
ATO raids alleged kingpin of multimillion-dollar fraud syndicate – 9 May 2026
The ATO, AFP and Services Australia raided an alleged organiser of a large-scale tax and welfare fraud operation. Investigators allege the syndicate used stolen identities and phishing scams to access ATO accounts and lodge fraudulent tax returns. Authorities say stolen money was funnelled through “money mule” accounts before being transferred offshore or converted into cryptocurrency.
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FIFO worker sentenced over laundering scam funds converted to crypto – 9 May 2026
A Brisbane court sentenced FIFO worker Emmanuel Makwai for reckless money laundering after his bank account was used to process scam proceeds. Victims had been deceived by scammers impersonating banks. One victim lost $50,000 that was later converted into cryptocurrency and could not be recovered. The court stressed the growing seriousness of money mule activity linked to organised scam syndicates.
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Council staff dubbed the ‘Pink Ops’ allegedly promoted friends, NSW anti-corruption watchdog hears – 11 May 2026
NSW ICAC is investigating allegations that senior staff at Parramatta Council manipulated recruitment processes, promoted friends into roles and conducted surveillance on employees. Former CEO Gail Connolly and other executives allegedly bypassed procedures, shared interview questions and retaliated against staff viewed as threats. The inquiry heard the council spent millions on staff removals and confidentiality settlements.
Former financial services director Ashley Arandez sentenced to more than 5 years imprisonment – 12 May 2026
Ashley Arandez of Hoppers Crossing in Victoria has been sentenced to 5 years and 6 months imprisonment in the County Court of Victoria, after pleading guilty to offences involving dishonest conduct, carrying on an unlicensed financial services business, and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
AUSTRAC releases updated risk snapshot of Australia’s financial crime landscape – 12 May 2026
AUSTRAC warned that Australia’s financial crime environment is becoming more sophisticated and interconnected, particularly through cryptocurrency, digital payment systems and organised criminal networks. The regulator said money laundering, scam activity and virtual asset abuse are increasing due to technology and globalisation. The release accompanies new national threat assessments and highlights growing concerns around crypto-enabled laundering and cross-border fraud operations.
Canvas developer Instructure says ‘agreement’ reached with hackers – 12 May 2026
Education software company Instructure said it reached an “agreement” with hacking group ShinyHunters after a massive cyberattack on the Canvas learning platform. Hackers claimed to have stolen about 3.65 terabytes of data affecting nearly 9,000 schools and up to 275 million users worldwide, including names, emails, student IDs and private messages. Instructure said the hackers agreed to delete the data and not extort customers further, although cybersecurity experts warned there is no guarantee stolen information was fully destroyed.
Amanda Camm and Tim Mander relationship disclosure row referred to Crime and Corruption Commission – 13 May 2026
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and ministers Amanda Camm and Tim Mander were referred to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission by the Labor opposition over allegations they failed to properly disclose a past relationship and manage potential conflicts of interest. The controversy centres on whether the relationship should have been declared earlier under ministerial integrity rules, particularly regarding government and Olympic planning decisions. The ministers deny wrongdoing and say appropriate disclosures were made.
Norman O’Bryan: Former Victorian Senior Counsel sentenced over Banksia Securities class action fraud – 14 May 2026
Former Victorian barrister Norman O’Bryan was sentenced to a four-year community corrections order and 600 hours of community service after pleading guilty to attempting to obtain financial advantage by deception. The case involved inflated and fabricated legal fee claims linked to the $64 million Banksia Securities collapse class action settlement. The court found O’Bryan breached the trust of investors and damaged confidence in the legal profession, but avoided jail due to his guilty plea, remorse and loss of career and reputation.
Coles engaged in “misleading” marketing through its Down Down campaign, court finds – 14 May 2026
The Federal Court found Coles Group misled consumers through its “Down Down” pricing campaign by temporarily increasing prices before advertising products as discounted. The court found 13 of 14 sample promotions were misleading because the higher “was” prices had not been in place long enough to represent genuine discounts. The case, brought by the ACCC, involved 245 products sold between 2022 and 2023. Coles now faces potentially large penalties, while a similar case against Woolworths Group is still before the courts.
Makmur Enterprises hit with $180,000 fine over workplace safety breach following mixer injury – 14 May 2026
Victorian food manufacturer Makmur Enterprises was fined $180,000 after a worker suffered serious arm injuries while cleaning an operating industrial mixer at its Melbourne factory. The court found the company failed to provide proper safety controls, including isolation procedures and guarding to prevent workers accessing moving parts. The injured employee’s arm became trapped in the machine, causing permanent damage. WorkSafe said the incident was entirely preventable and highlighted the importance of lock-out procedures around industrial equipment.
Women in Construction faces licence scrutiny after CFMEU corruption fallout – 15 May 2026
Victoria’s Labour Hire Authority warned Melbourne firm Women in Construction that its labour hire licence may not be renewed following references in the CFMEU corruption report “Rotting from the Top.” Authorities are tightening scrutiny of labour hire companies linked to alleged corruption and organised crime influence in the construction sector.
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Queensland bureaucrat remains suspended amid CFMEU corruption claims – 15 May 2026
Queensland workplace safety official Helen Burgess remains suspended while investigators examine alleged improper links between government officials and the CFMEU. Evidence presented to an inquiry claims union influence affected safety regulation processes and major taxpayer-funded projects. Witnesses described a culture of intimidation and political pressure connected to union activities.
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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 8 May 2026
Mother who faked son’s eye cancer diagnosis to raise money sentenced to over four years’ jail – 29 April 2026
A South Australian mother was jailed for more than four years after falsely claiming her six-year-old son had eye cancer to obtain donations from family, friends, and the school community. The court heard she shaved and bandaged the boy’s head, used a wheelchair as a prop, and convinced even her husband the child was seriously ill, despite medical tests showing no cancer. Judge Geraldine Davison described the scheme as “cruel” and a form of child abuse, saying the deception caused significant psychological harm to the child and others who donated money and support.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-29/mother-who-faked-sons-cancer-sentenced/106619528
Scam centre survivors criticise Steam video games that closely depict real-life compounds – 3 May 2026
An ABC investigation examined growing backlash against video games on the Steam platform that simulate real-world scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia. Survivors of human trafficking and forced scam labour said the games trivialise extreme abuse, violence, and psychological trauma they experienced inside criminal scam centres where victims are coerced into running online fraud schemes. Critics and anti-trafficking groups argued the games risk “gamifying” human suffering for entertainment, while some developers defended them as social commentary intended to raise awareness about scam operations and organised crime.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-03/scam-centre-computer-games-on-steam-upset-survivors/106605866
Queensland ministers clarify relationship timeline amid integrity questions – 4 May 2026
Tim Mander and Amanda Camm defended their handling of a past relationship after scrutiny over whether it should have been disclosed under Queensland ministerial conflict-of-interest rules. The ministers said they followed integrity advice and properly declared the relationship after rekindling it in 2025, while critics questioned whether earlier disclosure was required.
The modern day fraud crippling firms – 5 May 2026
A growing number of small businesses say they are being targeted by a modern type of theft, known as fraudulent charge-backs. It happens when a customer lodges a claim with their bank, saying an item they paid for by card was damaged or did not arrive. The claim can be difficult for business owners to dispute, if they disagree. Industry experts are concerned it is hurting businesses already struggling with higher costs.
Stavro Dámore pleads guilty to $700k fraud charges – 5 May 2026
Former Berndale Capital Securities director Stavro D’Amore pleaded guilty to fraud offences involving nearly $700,000 taken from company funds sourced from retail investor deposits. Prosecutors allege he misused his position as director, engaged in dishonest financial services conduct, and made false statements to ASIC. Investors are reportedly still owed millions following the company’s collapse.
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NSW Electoral Commission reopens investigation into Chris Minns political donations allegations – 7 May 2026
Chris Minns is facing renewed scrutiny after the NSW Electoral Commission reopened an investigation into alleged undisclosed political donations linked to a 2014 fundraising dinner at Sunny Seafood Restaurant. The ABC reported claims that donations may have been structured to avoid disclosure laws, though Minns denies any wrongdoing. The inquiry follows new evidence and referrals to prosecutors connected to alleged straw donor schemes involving NSW Labor fundraising events.
Husband of Rehana Parvin, who was allegedly murdered overseas, accused of forging her death certificate – 8 May 2026
A Brisbane court heard that Awlad Hossain allegedly forged his wife Rehana Parvin’s death certificate to transfer their three Queensland properties into his name. On Thursday, Defence lawyer Torik Dib argued that the death certificate was not forged, and it was a legitimate government document from Bangladesh. The bail application was adjourned to June 11.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-08/husband-accused-of-forging-death-certificate/106651896
ISIS-linked women charged with slavery-related offences as new details emerge of Yazidi woman’s alleged captivity – 8 May 2026
A Yazidi woman says she is willing to testify against some of the so-called “ISIS brides” after alleging she was kept as a slave in their family’s home in Syria. Two women have been charged with crimes against humanity offences, including enslavement, which a legal expert describes as “unprecedented” for Australia.
Billionaire philanthropist’s former secretary facing additional fraud charges – as it happened – 8 May 2026
Annalouise Spence, former private secretary to philanthropist Judith Neilson, was hit with 14 additional fraud charges, bringing the total to 82. Authorities allege she made approximately $1.6 million in unauthorized luxury purchases using Neilson’s accounts without permission.
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Joint NSW–Victoria police operation targets outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime – 8 May 2026
Police from Victoria and NSW have arrested 29 people during a five-day operation on the border. The blitz in Victoria’s north-east and southern NSW targeted outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime. Police say a number of people have been charged and will face court later in the year.
Tabcorp under Austrac investigation over cash betting practices – 8 May 2026
Australia’s financial intelligence agency AUSTRAC has opened an investigation into betting company Tabcorp over concerns it failed to properly manage money-laundering and terrorism-financing risks tied to cash betting and voucher systems. Tabcorp hired former AUSTRAC chief Paul Jevtovic to oversee its response. Investors reacted sharply, with the company’s share price falling significantly after disclosure.
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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 1 May 2026
Labor figures in the spotlight as CFMEU inquiry scrutinises union involvement in projects – 25 April 2026
A Queensland Commission of Inquiry is examining the CFMEU’s influence over major government projects and its relationship with the former Labor government. Evidence suggests the union had significant access to ministers and influence over policy and bureaucracy, while also applying pressure on government and industry.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-25/qld-cfmeu-inquiry-labor-projects-threats-wrap/106602768
Canberra probes Corp Travel after $240m travel billing scandal – 26 April 2026
An audit is underway into whether taxpayers were affected by misconduct tied to Corporate Travel Management (CTM). Previous investigations found over $240 million in overcharging (UK operations) and use of fraudulent agreements and accounting practices. Questions remain about whether misconduct extended beyond one executive.
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Greyhound Racing SA employees fired after investigation into alleged wagering activity – 27 April 2026
Two employees were sacked by Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) following an investigation into alleged wagering activity. The allegations relate to direct or indirect betting, which is prohibited for integrity staff. The greyhound racing industry in South Australia is under scrutiny after a 2023 independent inquiry made 87 reform recommendations. The industry has been warned it must improve standards within two years or risk being banned.
The best ways to protect credit and debit cards from fraud – 28 April 2026
Australians lost $2.2 billion to card fraud in the past year. Common scam methods include: Phishing emails/texts impersonating banks or government; data breaches and fake websites capturing card details; and mail theft of new bank cards. Experts warn many scams now happen without physical card theft, relying on stolen digital credentials.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-28/card-fraud-how-avoid-it-happening/106588224
Paid advertisements used to promote fraudulent investment platforms on social media, warns ASIC – 29 April 2026
Scammers are using paid social media ads (Facebook/Instagram) to promote fake crypto and high-return investment platforms. Victims are lured into depositing money into fraudulent websites that look legitimate. Investment scams remain the biggest financial loss category in Australia, with losses reaching $837.7 million in 2025. Authorities say these scams are increasingly sophisticated and often originate via social media targeting.
Gucci, Coldplay and wooden bowls: what billionaire’s secretary allegedly bought in $1.6m credit card fraud spree – 30 April 2026
A former private secretary has been charged with 68 fraud offences involving about $1.6 million in unauthorised spending. Allegations include luxury purchases (e.g. designer goods, travel, artwork) using employer-linked credit cards. About $850,000 has reportedly been repaid, but bail was denied due to the seriousness of the case.
Corporate watchdog ceases legal action against Bell Bay smelter – 30 April 2026
The corporate regulator pursued action after a company failed to lodge financial reports for multiple years. The firm entered administration, with creditors now determining its future. Article highlights ongoing enforcement around corporate disclosure and compliance failure.
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‘Organised crime’: Department officials front National Disability Insurance Scheme inquiry – 1 May 2026
Authorities say organised crime groups are exploiting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Misconduct includes: Fake or inflated claims; Billing for services not delivered; and Manipulating rates and rapid fund drawdowns. The government plans major spending cuts and reforms to combat fraud estimated at billions.
