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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.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 21 January 2026
WA is losing the tobacco wars as gangs target vape stores and cheap cigarettes flood market – 19 January 2026
Western Australia is struggling to control a growing illegal tobacco and vape market, with criminal gangs increasingly dominating a trade, the state’s outdated laws aren’t equipped to tackle. Opposition figures and experts argue for powers like those in other states, including higher fines and the ability to shut down illegal retailers quickly.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-19/wa-losing-the-fight-to-control-illegal-cigarettes/106242556
Elphinstone Engineering director sentenced for interfering with Aboriginal relics – 19 January 2026
A magistrate says a company director ought to have known of a significant Aboriginal site on his land prior to interfering with relics. Graeme Elphinstone was fined $12,000 for nine counts of contravening the Aboriginal Heritage Act, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of $181,000. Speaking outside court, Mr Elphinstone said the prosecution had wasted his and the court’s time.
Tribunal bans senior nurse for trying to take patient’s medication, altering hospital records – 19 January 2026
Registered nurse Sarah Rebecca Nolan has been banned from providing any health service for four years after a tribunal found she attempted to steal a surgical patient’s ADHD medication. A tribunal found she also falsified the patient’s hospital records and “manipulated” a younger colleague’s Facebook account in an attempt to cover up her actions. A tribunal has ordered Ms Nolan also pay costs of the proceedings.
Sydney dentist accused of drugging woman before sexually assaulting her facing new rape, sexual touching allegations against two more women – 20 January 2026
Maged Fouad Farag, is accused of drugging a young woman with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during a “job trial” at his Rockdale dental clinic and then sexually assaulting her, including touching her breasts and genitals and taking naked photographs without consent. He allegedly asked the woman to sign a non disclosure agreement and undress for a supposed skin check, according to court documents.
Strict bail for ‘risky’ accused $3.6m NDIS fraudster Billal Chami – 20 January 2026
Billal Chami, a 31-year-old director of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court accused of defrauding around $3.6 million in NDIS funds by allegedly redirecting money meant for disability supports into his own accounts and withdrawing large sums in cash. Prosecutors allege the scheme affected about 26 NDIS participants and involved deposits of about $3.7 million into accounts linked to his company. Chami has been charged with dealing with money reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime valued at $1 million or more, has not entered a plea, and faces possible future sanctions, including potential banning of his firm from the NDIS.
Alleged scam mastermind arrested after being exposed by BBC – 21 January 2026
Cambodian authorities have arrested prominent businessman Kuong Li, who was featured in a 2023 BBC Eye investigation into online scam operations. He has been charged with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, organised crime and money laundering linked to alleged offences since 2019, both in Cambodia and overseas. A Phnom Penh court ordered him remanded in custody on 15 January. Kuong Li appeared in The Pig Butchering Romance Scam, which examined alleged human trafficking and fraud within scam compounds in South East Asia, including the Huang Le compound in Sihanoukville, which he owns.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy8v31kkv1o
IBAC operation picton: Victorian Police accused of cover up – 21 January 2026
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is investigating alleged misconduct by up to eight police officers, including evidence tampering and potential cover-ups.
Access to digital version of The Australian required to read article
Celebrity Ink under ACC investigation amid franchise revolt – 21 January 2026
The competition watchdog has launched a probe into alleged unethical conduct by the tattoo franchise brand, including excessive fees and unfair breach notices.
Australia watchdog orders audit of fintech Airwallex on suspected compliance miss – 22 January 2026
Australia’s financial crime regulator, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), has ordered an external audit of payment fintech Airwallex Pty over suspected failures to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) rules.
Ex-Financial Advisor Torre Gets Six Years for Fraud – 23 January 2026
Former financial adviser Anthony Paul Torre has been sentenced to six years in prison by the District Court of Western Australia. He will be eligible for parole after serving four years. Torre pleaded guilty on 28 January 2025 to three counts of stealing and two counts of fraud related to the misappropriation of $1,030,000 from clients’ superannuation funds between March 2010 and January 2015 under sections 378 and 409 of the WA Criminal Code. Victims included older clients (a couple in their 60s lost about $500,000, and another man over 60 lost about $150,000).
https://www.miragenews.com/ex-financial-advisor-torre-gets-six-years-for-1606557/
