Corrupt Victoria Police officer jailed after falsifying evidence in drug squad investigation – 19 November 2024
A former police officer has been jailed after he was caught faking evidence in a drug trafficking case.
The sentencing judge said Jye Symes’s actions had undermined public confidence in the police force.
Symes will have to serve at least 18 months behind bars before being eligible for parole.
Bunnings releases brutal CCTV amid privacy debacle – 20 November 2024
The Office of the Australian Commissioner (OAIC) declared home improvement retailer Bunnings “breached Australians’ privacy” by collecting personal, sensitive information through a facial recognition technology system. The system – which was incorporated into CCTV – captured the faces of “likely hundreds of thousands of individuals” across 63 Bunnings store.
https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/bunnings-releases-brutal-cctv-amid-privacy-debacle.html
Financial adviser faces 26 dishonesty charges – 21 November 2024
ASIC has reported that Kristofer Ridgway faces 26 charges of dishonest conduct and allegations of misleading clients about commissions,. The charges stem from allegations that he failed to disclose substantial commission payments while facilitating investments for clients.
Filipino police raid romance scam centre – 26 November 2024
Police in the Philippines have arrested 250 romance scammers in a raid on a criminal call centre, after an investigation involving intelligence from the Australian Federal Police. It’s believed the dodgy centre has scammed thousands of Australians, alongside many more victims from other countries.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-26/naus_manilascamspm_2611/104650392
Alleged exploitation of migrant workers investigated in Lockyer Valley – 28 November 2024
Farmers and labour hire providers in the Gatton region, west of Brisbane, are being investigated over worker exploitation allegations. Federal government officers visited seven locations, including farms that produce broccoli, onions, pumpkins and shallots, to check for compliance. Officials will review any evidence collected and decide if legal action or education is required.
For the sake of our democracy, Australia urgently needs a whistleblower protection authority – 28 November 2024
It’s become clearer that a dedicated agency to enforce the nation’s various whistleblower protection laws will be an important priority for the 48th parliament, after the next election. The body would support employees who speak up about wrongdoing. It would also help employers and regulators resolve claims of detrimental action and it would help make legal protections real, by shouldering the huge costs of securing compensation for impacts suffered by those doing the right thing.
Scam Risk Management – 29 November 2024
Scams are a persistent issue in Australia and globally, affecting individuals and businesses alike. Reports of scams have surged over the years, with Australians losing billions annually. This paper looks at the difference between fraud and scams, who is most vulnerable and the shift towards regulated scam risk management in Australia. It also explores how global banks are preventing and detecting scam payments, highlighting common gaps and a bank ‘wish list’ to improve scam management.
https://www.fticonsulting.com/insights/articles/scam-risk-management-strategies-protect-organisation
Shoppings sites pretending to be Australian businesses – 28 November 2024
An ABC NEWS investigation has identified 57 online shopping websites engaging in deceptive and misleading conduct – pretending to be Australian businesses when they are instead international import operations. The websites advertise heavily on Facebook and Instagram. Consumer group, Choice and the ACCC are calling on social media giants to do more to check the identities of their advertisers and crack down on dishonest behavior.
Former ATSIC head Geoff Clark jailed for defrauding Framlingham Indigenous community – 29 November 2024
Former ATSIC head Geoff Clark, has been found guilty on 25 charges, spanning roughly two decades of offending. Clark has been sentenced to six years and two months in jail. The 72-year-old will be eligible for parole in three years and nine months, with 78 days already served behind bars.
Chinese military official Miao Hua under investigation amid ongoing corruption crackdown in China’s army ranks – 29 November 2024
One of China’s top military officials, Miao Hua, has been suspended amid a probe into his conduct. He is more powerful than China’s defence minister and was hand-picked for the role by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Experts say it’s a sign of a growing corruption scandal at the top of China’s army.
NDIS property developer’s luxury car and property portfolio revealed amid ASIC probe – 29 November 2024
An ASIC investigation found Mr McWilliams spent close to $40 million of investors’ money at a Gold Coast casino. While no charges have been laid, he is being investigated for allegedly providing financial services without a licence, misleading or deceptive conduct, breaching a director’s duties, misappropriating funds and engaging in fraud.
