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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 20 February 2026
Drug vessel MV Raider heading towards Sydney after being stripped of cocaine – 13 February 2026
The MV Raider — a ship previously intercepted near French Polynesia — is now heading towards Sydney after being stripped of its illegal cargo. On January 16, the French Navy boarded the vessel on the high seas and seized about five tonnes of cocaine that had been hidden on board. After removing the narcotics, French authorities dumped the drugs at sea and released the vessel and its crew because they lacked the legal jurisdiction to prosecute. Australian authorities have refused to comment publicly on whether they are monitoring or plan to detain the Raider and its crew if it enters Australian waters.
Australians’ personal data could soon be accessible by US agencies. Here’s why – 14 February 2026
Reports have emerged that the Australian government might be pressured to agree to a data-sharing arrangement with the United States, linked to continued participation in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Under proposals tied to an Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP), the US would gain access to sensitive information on Australians — including passport/ID details, facial images, fingerprints, police and immigration records, and potentially other data — to vet travellers entering the US. The Department of Home Affairs has declined to confirm whether negotiations are underway or if Australia is agreeing to such data access ahead of a 31 December deadline set by the US.
Ukraine’s ex-energy minister arrested while trying to cross border – 15 February 2026
Former Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) while attempting to cross the country’s border on February 15, as part of a major graft investigation. The scandal involves an alleged money-laundering and kickback scheme tied to Ukraine’s state nuclear energy company, Energoatom, and has already led to multiple high-level resignations and investigations.
Alleged fake lawyer accused of $1.4m deception has identity suppressed – 16 February 2026
A Melbourne woman has been charged over allegedly posing as a qualified lawyer at several law firms and earning a total of about A$1.4 million in salary and salaries over several years despite having no law degree or practising certificate. Six charges have been laid, including obtaining a financial advantage by deception and engaging in legal practice while not qualified.
Highly sensitive Australian court data accessed by foreign entity based in India – 17 February 2026
An ABC investigation found highly sensitive transcripts from Australian federal and family courts were accessed by staff at e24 Technologies, a company based in Chennai, India, after being subcontracted work by VIQ Solutions, the Canadian firm contracted to produce court transcripts. This occurred without notifying the courts and in breach of VIQ’s Commonwealth contracts and federal law, which require strict confidentiality and prohibit unsanctioned offshore access to court data.
Anti-slavery commissioner calls for tougher laws amid forced labour concerns for Ansell and Kmart – 17 February 2026
Australia’s anti slavery commissioner, Chris Evans, says current modern slavery laws are too weak, allowing many companies to treat reporting requirements as a “tick a box” exercise rather than genuinely combatting forced labour. He wants mandatory due diligence obligations requiring companies to actively identify and address slavery risks — similar to anti money laundering duties — and the ability to designate high risk industries or products for closer scrutiny. Evans warned that without stronger laws, Australia risks becoming a “dumping ground” for goods made with forced labour that other countries with tougher rules won’t accept.
KPMG partner fined for using artificial intelligence to cheat in AI training test – 17 February 2026
A partner at KPMG Australia was fined A$10,000 after using artificial intelligence tools to cheat on an internal AI training examination. The partner uploaded training materials into an AI system to help answer questions, which violated KPMG’s internal policies. The case highlights growing challenges firms face in balancing the adoption of AI with enforcing ethical standards, especially in testing and training contexts.
Hacker releases data after claiming to have accessed ‘hundreds of thousands’ of Aussies’ loans, driver’s licences – 18 February 2026
A threat actor has released data online that it claims to have stolen from Sydney based finance technology company youX, which provides software used by brokers and lenders to process loan applications. The hacker claims to have accessed a huge dataset — hundreds of thousands of Australians’ personal information, including names, phone numbers, residential addresses, loan application details and driver’s licence numbers.
Andrew released under investigation after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office – 19 February 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on 19 February 2026 — his 66th birthday — by Thames Valley Police in Norfolk, England. He was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is linked to allegations stemming from recently released “Epstein files”, which suggest that while he served as a UK trade envoy in the 2000s he may have forwarded confidential government material to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c70kjr9wjw0t
Employees of Albany lolly shop fined for illegal tobacco sales say they were never paid – 19 February 2026
Two employees of a shop in Albany CBD that presented itself as a lolly store were fined $1,000 each and received spent convictions after admitting they sold tobacco products without a licence and unlawfully possessed a prescription drug. Detectives raided the premises last month and seized over 22,000 cigarettes and 89 nicotine vapes.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-19/illegal-tobacco-fines-albany-lolly-shop/106364808
Sydney businessman falsely claimed security advice given to Chinese spies came from Kevin Rudd, court hears – 19 February 2026
Sydney businessman Alexander Csergo, 59, has gone on trial in the NSW District Court after pleading not guilty to a reckless foreign interference charge. Prosecutors allege Csergo provided reports to two people he believed worked for China’s Ministry of State Security, in exchange for cash, between late 2021 and early 2023. The reports covered topics like Australia’s defence alliances (AUKUS), global diplomatic grouping the Quad, lithium and iron ore markets, and German politics.
Cyber criminals use self-managed super as ‘getaway vehicle’, as illegal access rises – 19 February 2026
Australian regulators — including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) — warn that cyber criminals are using self managed super funds as a “getaway vehicle” to divert and steal people’s retirement savings. Criminals allegedly create fraudulent SMSFs using stolen identities, roll over superannuation from members’ main funds into these bogus SMSFs, then withdraw or siphon off the money.
Man charged with terrorism offences after phones seized in Sydney’s south-west – 19 February 2026
NSW Police have charged a 31 year old man with terrorism related offences after violent extremist material was allegedly found on mobile phones seized during a traffic stop in Yagoona, south west Sydney late last year. When investigators examined the phones, with help from the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, they allegedly uncovered violent extremist material on one of the devices.
NDIS worker allegedly steals $5 million from taxpayers in business fraud scheme – 20 February 2026
A 47-year-old man from Darwin, who works for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), has been arrested and charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over alleged fraud involving the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Authorities allege he used his position as a public servant to refer vulnerable NDIS participants to a disability service provider that he co-owned. That business has claimed more than $28 million in NDIS funds since 2019, with about $5 million identified as suspicious by investigators.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 13 February 2026
Australian drug kingpin Tony Mokbel walks free after police informant scandal – 6 February 2026
Underworld figure Tony Mokbel has walked free after prosecutors in Victoria dropped the only remaining drug-trafficking charge against him. Mokbel spent about 18 years in prison after being sentenced in 2012 for running a major drug syndicate tied to Melbourne’s gangland wars. Courts earlier quashed some of his convictions and ordered retrials because evidence against him may have been tainted by Gobbo’s covert work for Victoria Police.
Patrol boats out of action in Cairns shipyards as foreign fishers reach Australian shores – 6 February 2026
At least a quarter of Border Force’s Cape-class patrol boats are undergoing maintenance on dry land amid an influx of illegal foreign fishing boats in Queensland waters. The ABC has also obtained photographs that show foreign fishing boats pulling into a creek on the mainland months before the federal government says it ramped up its border protection in the Far North. The federal government says it will not be revealing how many patrol boats are out of commission nor “telegraphing to our adversaries and enemies where they could go on a given day”.
Maritime safety regulator investigating Carnival cruise ship after whistleblower concern – 9 February 2026
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is investigating the Carnival Encounter cruise ship after complaints from crew members about poor working and living conditions. Investigators boarded the vessel while it was docked in Darwin Harbour to assess the situation. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) received reports from a whistleblower alleging that crew were living in overcrowded quarters, had no safe free drinking water, and were earning as little as $2.50 an hour — despite working long hour.
Surrey hills woman charged over alleged $1.4m fake lawyer scam – 9 February 2026
A 42 year old woman from Surrey Hills, Melbourne, has been charged by Victoria Police’s Financial Crime Squad over accusations she posed as a qualified lawyer and unlawfully practised law. Authorities allege she did not have a law degree or an Australian practising certificate but worked at several law firms. She faces five counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and unlawful practice of law, charges that stem from deceiving firms and clients about her qualifications.
Access to digital version of The Australian require to read article
Bankrupt Sydney businessman named in a Hong Kong bribery case – 9 February 2026
A Sydney property developer, reportedly Sam Fayad, has been publicly identified as the Australian businessman implicated in a major Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) bribery investigation. The case is described as one of the most notable bribery scandals in recent corporate history in Hong Kong, with regulatory authorities pursuing investigations into alleged corruption tied to business operations there.
Access to digital version of SMH required to read article
WA Legal practice board inquiry a game changer, alleged unfit lawyer says – 9 February 2026
A major national law firm is facing legal allegations from a former client who has accused it of breaching contractual obligations and fiduciary duties tied to advice given over a decade ago. The dispute involves claims that the firm failed to properly advise the client, leading to losses or detriment, with the client arguing both contract based breaches and breaches of fiduciary duty — meaning the firm allegedly didn’t act in the client’s best interests as required for legal advisers.
Sydney barrister Mark Dennis SC found dead after being charged with possession of child abuse material – 10 February 2026
Prominent barrister Mark Dennis SC has been found dead at his home in Leichhardt, Sydney, while out on bail facing serious charges. The death is being investigated and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Dennis, 60, had been charged weeks earlier with offences related to the alleged possession of child abuse material after Australian Border Force officers found suspected material on his phone and other devices when he returned from overseas.
The tables have turned on this CFMEU investigator – 11 February 2026
The piece focuses on barrister Geoffrey Watson SC, the senior lawyer who was appointed to investigate alleged corruption and criminal conduct inside the CFMEU. Lawyers for the former CFMEU figures have pushed back against parts of Watson’s findings, including his critical characterisation of how the union’s leadership operated, and the assertions in his report about misconduct, organised crime links and failures by governments to act sooner. The article characterises this as a turning of the tables because Watson — initially the investigator exposing misconduct — now finds himself under pressure in legal hearings from the very people he scrutinised.
Access to digital version of The Australian required to read article
Kane Dallow sentenced to two years in prison on fraud and other charges – 11 February 2026
A Tasmanian man guilty of impersonating a court and attempting to use acquaintances’ names to apply for credit cards has been jailed. Kane Dallow was convicted on 28 crimes relating to fraud, forgery and perverting justice.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-11/tasmanian-man-kane-dallow-jailed-for-28-offences/106227598
Landmark high court ruling finds Catholic church had duty to protect NSW child from paedophile priest – 11 February 2026
Australia’s High Court has delivered a landmark decision finding that the Catholic Church had a legal duty of care to protect a boy from sexual abuse by a paedophile priest — even though the abuse occurred decades ago. A lower court had initially ruled for the survivor, but the NSW Court of Appeal had sided with the Church — saying the Church was not liable because it was not formally an employer of the priest and was unaware of specific risks at the time. The High Court overturned that appeal, holding that the Diocese owed a “non delegable duty” to ensure children under the care or supervision of its clergy were protected from foreseeable harm, including sexual abuse.
Parents association fined after allowing alleged sexual offender to keep working at care centre – 11 February 2026
A court has heard an alleged sexual offender was allowed to continue working shifts in obscured areas of a North Queensland after school care centre following complaints. Cranbrook State Primary School P&C Association pleaded guilty to six charges in Townsville Magistrates Court. The association has been ordered to pay a $50,000 penalty.
National firm accused of contractual, fiduciary breaches – 12 February 2026
A major national “BigLaw” firm is facing allegations from a former client who has taken legal action more than a decade after receiving advice from the firm. The former client alleges the firm provided negligent legal advice that caused him to incur substantial losses, including costs and lost opportunities. The claim includes both contractual breaches (arguing the firm failed to meet its agreed obligations) and breaches of fiduciary duty (arguing the firm didn’t act in the client’s best interests). The dispute has now escalated into formal legal proceedings, putting the firm’s conduct and professional duties under scrutiny.
“Four partners leave EY after independence rule breach on Shell audit” – 12 February 2026
Four senior partners at professional services firm EY (Ernst & Young) have resigned after the firm was found to have breached audit independence rules in its work auditing Shell. The breach occurred because EY provided non audit services to Shell while simultaneously serving as its external auditor — a combination that regulators say compromises auditor independence. As a result of the breach and ensuing scrutiny, Shell stripped EY of its role auditing the company, and the resignations reflect internal accountability and pressure on the firm’s leadership. The departures highlight broader regulatory pressure on audit firms to maintain strict independence and avoid conflicts of interest that could undermine the integrity of financial reporting
https://www.ft.com/content/7a9d9465-81b2-4443-9311-38e52c021595
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 6 February 2026
‘Pretty wild’: Fraud, toxic culture claims rock trouble-plagued VFL club – 13 January 2026
Frankston Dolphins Football Club (VFL) is being investigated by Victoria Police for alleged financial fraud and toxic workplace culture. Senior figures and board members have resigned after financial discrepancies were uncovered in internal reviews. The probe is ongoing and has involved WorkSafe monitoring for compliance issues.
Financial advice sector in need of trust reset, says top AFCA exec – 1 February 2026
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) warned of systemic problems in superannuation and financial advice following the high profile Shield Master Fund and First Guardian collapses. These failures resulted in losses of around $1.2 billion for ~11,000 Australians. AFCA is pushing for sector reforms to restore trust and improve oversight.
AFCA orders payout over bad financial advice – 2 February 2026
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority directed InterPrac Financial Planning to pay $118,000 to a client for lost investment earnings due to poor advice related to the Shield fund collapse. This is the first such ruling involving InterPrac in the ongoing fallout from collapsed super strategies — and ASIC is pursuing further legal action.
Sydney property manager with alleged ties to ‘satanic’ paedophile ring denied bail – 4 February 2026
A 62-year-old Sydney property manager and alleged member of a “satanic” child sexual abuse material ring has been denied bail. Magistrate Alison Viney told the court the contents of the material found by police was “concerning and horrific”. Five other men have been charged as part of the investigation and remain before the courts.
Scammers staged a fake AFP set in a Cambodian compound – 4 February 2026
Scammers set up a fake Australian Federal Police (AFP) office inside an abandoned scam centre in O’Smach, Cambodia — a six storey compound previously used for transnational fraud operations. The room was dressed with AFP logos and Australian flags to make it look convincing.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-04/fake-afp-office-scam-centre-cambodia/106303328
Tribunal Penalises petty lawyer for slow compliance – 4 February 2026
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) reprimanded a principal lawyer, Jeffrey Paul Biggs, for unsatisfactory professional conduct. The tribunal found he failed to comply promptly with requests to hand over client documents, describing his refusal as “petty” and not meeting the reasonable standards of competence and diligence expected of a legal practitioner.
https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/biglaw/43731-tribunal-penalises-petty-lawyer-for-slow-compliance
‘The $60m man’: Labor donor was key player in landmark bribery scandal – 4 February 2026
Peng Siong Lee, described as a significant political donor, made a $50,000 donation to the federal Labor Party in the 2024–25 financial year, according to recent disclosures by the Australian Electoral Commission. The article highlights his alleged involvement in a major bribery scandal.
Access to digital version of AFR required to ready article
Gus disappearance declared major crime, police identify suspect at Oak Park Station – 5 February 2026
Gus Lamont’s disappearance has been declared a major crime by police, who have identified a person who has resided at Oak Park Station as a suspect. They have stressed that person is not one of Gus’s parents. Police say there is no evidence to suggest Gus wandered off or that he was abducted, and have seized items from the property.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-05/police-update-on-missing-boy-gus-lamont/106307630
Hackers publish personal information stolen during Harvard, Upenn data breaches – 5 February 2026
A well known hacking group called ShinyHunters has publicly published personal information it claims to have stolen from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania following data breaches from late 2025. ShinyHunters released more than 1 million records from each university on its leak platform — a tactic it usually uses to pressure organisations into paying ransom, which both universities reportedly refused to do. The leaked data reportedly includes email addresses, phone numbers, home and business addresses, event records, donation details and other biographical information linked to alumni and fundraising activities.
David Valvo permanently banned from finance after sticky tape scam – 5 February 2026
David Valvo, a former Sydney financial adviser convicted of fraud, has been permanently banned from the financial services industry by ASIC. He used sticky tape to forge client signatures and withdrew money from super accounts without consent while charging ongoing advisory fees. Valvo was sentenced to prison (suspended) and ordered to pay reparations.
Access to digital version of courier mail required to read article
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 30 January 2026
$335 million gone: How scams drained Australians in a single year – 27 January 2026
Australians lost nearly $335 million to scams in 2025, up from about $318.7 million the previous year, even though the number of reported scam complaints fell. Email was the most common contact method (over ~84,800 email scams). Other online routes (social media, apps, forums) made up about 43,000 reports. Nearly 38,000 scam reports came from phone calls. Investment scams caused by far the largest financial losses — about $172 million. Phishing scams (tricking people into giving up personal or financial details) led to about $31 million in losses. Romance scams (fake relationships leading to money transfers) accounted for about $28.6 million.
Matthew Thomas Brown: arrest warrant issued for fraud accused – 28 January 2026
Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 31 year old man, Matthew Thomas Brown, accused of 140 charges including fraud, attempted fraud, money laundering, and impersonation related to obtaining loans and financial benefits using false identities.
Access to Digital version of courier mail required to read article
Woman accused of paying secret kickbacks to surgeons to use medical devices at Brisbane hospital faces court – 28 January 2026
A 39 year old finance manager, Alana Jane Clayton, appeared in a Brisbane court charged with fraud and official corruption after a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation found alleged secret payments to surgeons in return for using certain medical devices at public hospitals.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-28/medical-devices-kickbacks-scheme-queensland-court/106277080
Bilal Bazzi arrested for allegedly using fake Australian cash in Sydney streets: Can you spot the counterfeit note? – 28 January 2026
Bilal Bazzi, a 44 year old man was arrested and charged in Sydney for allegedly using high quality counterfeit Australian banknotes at multiple stores — a form of fraud and possession of bogus currency.
Access to Digital version of Daily Telegraph required to read article
CFMEU organiser charged with fraud over driving fines – 28 January 2026
Paul Tzimas, a CFMEU organiser in Victoria, once seen as a rising union figure, has resigned after being charged with fraud by police. Police allege he committed fraud connected to driving and traffic fines — specifically involving speeding and other infringement notices that were allegedly falsified or misrepresented.
Access to digital version of AFR required to read full article
Client documents caught up in law firm cyber attack – 28 January 2026
A Napier-based law firm, Langley Twigg Law, suffered a cyber attack on its IT systems on 11 January 2026. A malicious third party launched a virus on the firm’s network, which wasn’t protected by its security software. The attacker extracted some data from the firm’s file server. That included both internal operational information and some client documents. The firm is still working out exactly what was taken and which clients might be affected.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/585222/client-documents-caught-up-in-law-firm-cyber-attack
Accused ‘shadow director’ of failed legal, accounting firms to fight ASCIC over ban – 28 January 2026
Philip Whiteman is accused of acting as a “shadow director” for several law and accounting firms that all failed within a short period. He is seeking to fight an attempted ban by the corporate regulator ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) relating to his role. The article focuses on the legal contest between the accused and ASIC over whether the regulator is justified in banning him from managing corporations.
The missing money and litigation overshadowing an NDIS network – 29 January 2026
The article discusses controversy involving a Western Australian based NDIS linked disability services business, where there are questions about missing money and ongoing legal action. It highlights concerns and litigation tied to alleged financial irregularities, suggesting funds meant for disability support may not have been properly used or accounted for by those linked to the business ie Lenard Barend Swanepoel-Trollip and Christiaan Frederick Beyers Swanepoel-Trollip.
China executes online scam ringleaders from Myanmar – 30 January 2026
China has executed 11 people involved in criminal gangs in Myanmar, including online scam ringleaders. Their crimes included “intentional homicide, intentional injury, unlawful detention, fraud and casino establishment”, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Among them were members of the Ming crime family, which operated in the Kokang area of Myanmar until it was taken over by a rebel ethnic minority group in 2023.
Three NSW councils allegedly defrauded of almost $1.3 million by former employee Martin Thomas Dimec – 30 January 2026
A 59-year-old former council employee, Martin Thomas Dimec, has been charged over allegedly defrauding three New South Wales local councils — Murrumbidgee, Shoalhaven, and Goulburn Mulwaree — of almost $1.3 million by approving and authorising fraudulent contractor invoices while he was employed by them from 2012 to 2024. Police allege the fraudulent invoices resulted in $1,295,029.94 being deposited into bank accounts under Dimec’s control.
