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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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