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Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 11 October 2024
Australian Cyber Crime Statistics In 2023 Shed Light On The Current Cyber Threat Landscape – 4 October 2024
Australian Cybercrime Statistics 2023 – The escalating threat of cybercrime in Australia necessitates heightened awareness and proactive measures. According to the most recent Annual Cyber Threat Report for the period spanning 2021-2022, alarming statistics have come to light. In 2024 roughly-one third of adult Australians, or around 6.4 million people, have been the victim of a breach in the last 12 months.
NSW Police launch review into toxic culture within force following ABC investigation – 4 October 2024
Former Victorian equal opportunity human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton will conduct a review into the culture within NSW Police. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb says it’s important for someone with “fresh eyes” to conduct the review. Commissioner Webb did not rule out the need for a royal commission following the review.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/nsw-police-review-toxic-culture-abc-investigation/104432330
Retirement villages on notice after ABC investigation – 7 October 2024
Retirement villages have been put on notice following an ABC investigation into residents who are victims of financial abuse. Residents and their families are being hit with enormous exit fees and unreasonable refurbish and renovation fees, often resulting in them losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on their initial investments.
Aussies Targeted for Crypto Scams as “Easy Prey” – 7 October 2024
A shocking ABC report has unveiled that Australians are often targeted by overseas crypto scammers due to the resident’s wealth and trusting nature. Additionally, scammers believe that the AFP is less likely to go after international criminals, a perception local authorities are looking to change. All up, Aussies lost approximately AU $300m to investment scams in 2023, with 47% of them involving cryptocurrency.
https://cryptonews.com.au/news/abc-report-aussies-targeted-for-crypto-scams-as-easy-prey-123810/
WA Ombudsman to resign over travel bills – 9 October 2024
WA’s controversial globetrotting Ombudsman says he will resign in the wake of a damning Corruption and Crime Commission report that found he had created a sham process to allow him to bypass the premier’s approval for his lavish international travel that cost taxpayers more than $200,000 in a single year.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-09/wa-ombudsman-to-resign-over-travel-bills/104449386
IBAC report says investigators uncovered corrupt conduct in Moonee Valley council – 9 October 2024
Cameron Nation accepted cocaine and Xanax in exchange for progressing planning applications while mayor of Moonee Valley council, according to a report tabled in state parliament. The IBAC said it also found Mr Nation and councilors Jacob Bettio and Narelle Sharpe received undisclosed dinners and a free membership to a local soccer club. IBAC has recommended the code of conduct for councilors be updated to include a “clear expectation” that they report suspected corruption.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-09/ibac-mooney-valley-council-corruption-bribes-report/104450222
Why allegations of war crimes against Australian Defence Force soldiers may never result in charges – 9 October 2024
The Brereton inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan found there was “credible information” related to the alleged unlawful killing of 39 people by, or involving, Australian Defence Force members. One former SAS soldier has been charged with a war crime. Defence Minister Richard Marles is currently considering the recommendations of a review of the role of the inspector-general of the ADF.
These car brands are collecting and sharing your data with third parties – 9 October 2024
An investigation by consumer advocacy group Choice found most of Australia’s popular car brands collect and share “driver data”, ranging from braking patterns to video footage. Kia and Hyundai collect voice recognition data from inside their cars and sell it to an artificial intelligence software training company. Privacy and consumer rights advocates are pushing for law reform to limit data collection to what is “fair and reasonable”.
Proposed AML/CTF law changes to impact gaming rooms – 10 October 2024
The Australian government has introduced the long-anticipated Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financial (AML/CTF) Amendment Bill 2024 into parliament. the amendment bill will bring tranche two entities into the scope, including lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents. It will also bring Australia in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force.
https://theshout.com.au/australian-hotelier/proposed-aml-ctf-law-changes-to-impact-gaming-rooms/
Police say outlaw motorcycle gangs ‘not welcome’ on the Sunshine Coast after trio arrested – 10 October 2024
Three suspected members of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang have been arrested. The trio came to the attention of police after a traffic crash where the driver was allegedly assaulted. Police have vowed to continue to try to stamp out gang activity on the Sunshine Coast.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-10/rebels-motorcycle-gang-arrests-sunshine-coast/104454742
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 4 October 2024
Sam Bankman-Fried’s ex-girlfriend Caroline Ellison sentenced to two years’ jail over crypto fraud – 25 September 2024
Caroline Ellison has been sentenced to two years in jail for her involvement in her ex-boyfriend Sam Bankman-Fried’s theft of $US8 billion in customer funds. The tech executive ran Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency-focused hedge fund Bankman-Fried founded. Lawyers argued against jail time due to her “extraordinary” cooperation with prosecutors and role as star witness in Bankman-Fried’s case.
Services Australia data breaches surge as scammers try to hack customer accounts using stolen details – 29 September 2024
Services Australia has seen a massive surge in data breaches by scammers harvesting information from previous hacks and using it to access customer account., Services Australia had reported 49 data breaches as a result of social engineering – where people call an agency pretending to be someone in order to access information. The figure was more than 440% higher than the nine social engineering-related reports across the whole of 2023.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/29/services-australia-hacks-data-breach-scam
Journalist awarded for work on human trafficking in online scams arrested in Cambodia – 1 October 2024
Cambodian journalist Mech Dara, who has been awarded for his work investigating human trafficking in the online scam industry, has been arrested by the country’s military police. The police have refused to reveal why he was taken into custody with observers saying they believe the arrest was politically motivated. Dara’s family say they have not been informed of his whereabouts and fear for his safety.
Fraud allegations involving Tara bushfire and Cyclone Jasper disaster funding referred to police – 2 October 2024
Several staff have been terminated or suspended from a Queensland government department after fraud allegations. It’s believed the allegations relate to funding given after Cyclone Jasper and the Tara bushfires in 2023. Two cases of alleged fraud have been referred to police for investigation.
Fraudster Patricia Evans, who swindled elderly victims of savings and super, jailed over ‘web of deceit’ – 2 October 2024
Patricia Evans was sentenced in SA’s District Court after pleading guilty to two counts of theft and 19 counts of aggravated theft between May 2010 and August 2018. The sentencing judge said Evans had stolen up to $4.2 million from three victims — but said the charges before the court only related to a total of $272,463. Evans was sentenced to eight years and four months behind bars, with a non-parole period of five years.
Meta, Australian banks tout progress on taking down scam ads – 3 October 2024
Meta has taken down some 8000 so-called “celeb bait” scam ads from Facebook and Instagram as part of a new effort with Australian banks to curb the practice. The scams use images of famous people, often generated by artificial intelligence, to trick consumers into giving money to non-existent investment schemes.
https://www.itnews.com.au/news/meta-australian-banks-tout-progress-on-taking-down-scam-ads-612119
Vitrinite accused of clearing koala habitat and illegal coal mining in Queensland – 3 October 2024
A mining company has been accused of destroying koala habitat and illegally mining coal at a site in Queensland, without government approval. Vitrinite denies breaching the law and says the works are a “small testing operation”. The federal environment department is “making enquiries”, with the allegation, if proven, carrying a possible $825,000 fine.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/koala-habitat-cleared-without-federal-approval/104414272
Trump ‘resorted to crimes’ in scramble to overturn US election, unsealed court documents allege – 3 October 2024
New details of Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election have been revealed in a newly unsealed court filing. The 165-page document cites previously unknown accounts by the former president’s closest aides. It is uncertain whether the case will proceed to trial, particularly if Trump is elected president in November.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-03/trump-election-interference-filing-unsealed/104426280
Experts say scammers are getting a leg-up from the system that serves us personalised ads – 3 October 2024
The online ad industry may be providing scammers with the tools to target Australians more efficiently. A new report reveals how the sale of people’s consumer data could be fuelling common scams featuring fake road toll notices or texts purporting to be from AusPost. The federal government is in the process of updating the Privacy Act, but changes to data privacy rules have been deferred until a later, unspecified, date.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/scammers-using-system-for-ads-to-con-australians/104426750
Karen Salkilld faked her own death to claim $700k life insurance payout, Perth court hears – 4 October 2024
Karen Salkilld faked her own death, using her former partner’s identification, to successfully claim a $718,000 insurance payout. Her lawyer told the court the “crazy act” of faking her own death came from a movie she had once seen. Salkilld was told to expect an immediate jail term when sentenced later this month.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years in prison for 2020 presidential race voting data scheme – 4 October 2024
A former Colorado county clerk has been sentenced to nine years in jail for charges relating to a breach in her county’s voting system. Tina Peters became “fixated” on voting problems after becoming involved with those who had questioned the accuracy of the 2020 presidential election results. She was convicted of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state.
NSW premier says commissioner will commit to reforming police culture after ‘harrowing’ allegations – 29 September 2024
NSW Premier Chris Minns has addressed “harrowing” allegations about the state police force following an ABC investigation.
Former and current NSW Police officers said they had experienced bullying, nepotism, sexism and a lack of mental health support. Mr Minns said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was committed to reform, but did not commit to an independent inquiry.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 27 September 2024
Canberra woman scammed out of $1.6 million inheritance adding firepower to federal scam protections campaign – 18 September 2024
Canberran Harriet Spring, who was scammed out of $1.6 million, has taken her fight for better scam victim financial compensation to Parliament House. The federal government’s new draft legislation would put in place new rules about detecting, preventing and responding to scams. Online consultation for the draft anti-scam laws is open until October 4.
MLA calls for parliamentary inquiry into NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption – 20 September 2024
An independent MLA will call for a parliamentary inquiry into the NT’s corruption watchdog when the legislative assembly resumes next month. The NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption has faced a series of scandals since it was formed in 2018. The proposed inquiry will need the support of the new Country Liberal Party government if it is to be established.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-20/mla-calls-for-parliamentary-inquiry-into-nt-icac/104378554
Singapore ex-minister convicted in rare graft trial – 25 September 2024
S. Iswaran, a Singaporean former minister has been convicted of obstruction of justice and accepting illegal gifts. He has been hit with 35 charges mostly related to graft in a nation often cited as one of the world’s least corrupt.
IBAC report finds Metropolitan Fire Brigade employees improperly accessed executive emails to help union – 25 September 2024
An anti-corruption investigation has found Victorian fire service employees repeatedly accessed sensitive information and fed it to the powerful United Firefighters Union (UFU). IBAC has today released the findings of a long-running probe named Operation Turton, which asks Fire Rescue to report on how it’s implementing its recommendations within six months.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-25/ibac-mfb-ufu-peter-marshall-operation-turton/104394046
NSW premier says commissioner will commit to reforming police culture after ‘harrowing’ allegations – 26 September 2024
NSW Premier Chris Minns has addressed “harrowing” allegations about the state police force following an ABC investigation.
Former and current NSW Police officers said they had experienced bullying, nepotism, sexism and a lack of mental health support.
Mr Minns said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was committed to reform, but did not commit to an independent inquiry.
Queensland man charged over alleged phishing scam, sending millions of texts – 26 September 2024
A North Queensland man has been charged over an alleged phishing scam involving millions of fake text messages. Police say they seized more than 1,200 SIM cards and equipment capable of sending mass messages. The man has appeared in court and was remanded in custody.
Queensland Fire Department commissioner calls for end of bullying and harassment within organisation in leaked video – 26 September 2024
A leaked video shows QFD Commissioner Stephen Smith asking for service members to call out bullying and harassment. It comes in the wake of ABC reporting on cultural issues within the department. The department says the findings of a review into its complaints management framework are imminent.
New York Mayor Eric Adams charged on five criminal counts in ‘multi-year’ Turkish bribery and fraud scheme – 27 September 2024
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been implicated in a bribery and fraud scheme, becoming the first of the city’s 110 mayors to be criminally charged while in office.
The 64-year-old Democrat has denied wrongdoing and said he would “continue to do my job” while fighting the charges in court. Mr Adams faces a 57-page indictment and the case is likely to complicate any bid for re-election next year.
Relative of OMCG member is third woman jailed in WA over illicit cash investigation – 27 September 2024
The West Australian sister of an offshore Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member has been sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven and a half months, for possessing more than $800,000 of suspected proceeds of crime. She is the third woman to be convicted over the matter.
Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell has been found guilty of theft and dishonesty — what happens now? – 27 September 2024
After a three-month trial, and years facing and fighting charges, Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell was found guilty, by a jury, of 20 counts of theft and five counts of dishonest dealing with documents. In the seven years since he was accused of stealing $430,000 from not-for-profit educational organisations.
Investigation & Fraud News – Week ending 13 September 2024
China gives PwC record £47m fine and six-month ban over Evergrande – 13 September 2024
The China arm of the accountancy firm PwC has been banned for six months and fined a record 441m yuan (£47m) over its audit of the collapsed property developer Evergrande. It was found that PwC and its Guangzhou branch knew that there were major misstatements in Evergrande Real Estate’s financial statements during the audit of Evergrande Real Estate’s financial statements and issued inappropriate audit opinions, and issued false audit reports.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/sep/13/china-pwc-47m-fine-six-month-ban-evergrande-audit
Former department bosses Kathryn Campbell and Renee Leon named for breaching duties in relation to Robodebt – 13 September 2024
The robodebt scheme was an automated tool for assessing and recovering Centrelink debts. Sixteen public servants were referred to the public service commissioner for investigation last year, including current employees named in the sealed section of the robodebt royal commission’s final report. The commission reported “12 current and former public servants and former agency heads have been found to have breached the code on 97 occasions”.
Indian families are falling for multi-million-dollar Australian visa scams – 16 September 2024
New rules introduced by the Government last year aimed to stop visa fraud but instead these changes may have fuelled a surge in unethical practices. This investigation reveals how opportunistic agents in India are using an Australian college to scam students out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The killing of underworld figure Alen Moradian raises difficult questions about how police fight a gangland war – 16 September 2024
The killing of underworld figure Alen Moradian, raises troubling questions about law enforcement’s role in Australia’s ongoing gang wars: should police intervene to save a life, or wait and gather more evidence on significant criminal networks? The rules and protocols are not clear. Those who watch this world closely say that must change.
Criminal elements still influential in CFMEU construction division, report finds – 16 September 2024
A preliminary investigation into the CFMEU’s construction division has found it is still influenced by bikies and attempts to remove criminal elements were “inadequate”.
The investigation by Geoffrey Watson SC found the union was “caught up in a cycle of lawlessness”. Mr Watson recommended the CFMEU work with police to root out criminal elements.
Former Department of Communities project manager Mark Ainslie jailed over cash-for-contracts scheme – 17 September 2024
Mark Ainslie was a former project manager with the Department of Communities when he took more than $200,000 in bribes to award lucrative construction contracts to his associates. His offences spanned five years before he quit the department in 2020. Ainslie was sentenced to more than four years’ jail, and will be eligible for parole in April 2027.
Revealed: criminals and unlicensed agents operating across Australia’s real estate sector – 17 September 2024
Transparency International Australia says international regulators and the federal government have ‘clearly identified real estate as being at very high risk of money laundering involving organised crime gangs’. Revelations come amid federal government push for additional scrutiny of sector through counter-terror financing and money-laundering laws.
AML/CTF Amendment Bill: A significant development to combating financial crime – 17 September 2024
On 11 September 2024, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) was introduced into Parliament, a significant development in Australia’s approach to combating financial crime. The Bill represents the long-awaited ‘second tranche’ of reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering/counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime, which was initially established under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (the Act).
How the AFP cracked an encrypted messaging app used by the criminal underworld – 18 September 2024
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-18/how-the-afp-cracked-an-encrypted-messaging-app/104368364
Operation Kraken: AFP restrains almost $2 million in assets in WA investigation
In a pre-dawn raid as part of Operation Kraken, the AFP targeted a 32-year-old man police allege is the mastermind of an encrypted communication network used solely by the criminal underworld called ‘Ghost’. The AFP will be alleging that this platform is solely being used for criminality and serious organised crime, drug trafficking, drug importation, tobacco trafficking, firearms trafficking, money laundering, and threats to life and to harm.
Two Victorian men fined $4000 each for betting on the Australian of the Year awards using inside information – 19 September 2024
Two Victorian men were sentenced by the Dandenong Magistrates Court for using inside information to bet on the winner of three Australian of the Year Award. They were charged in June 2023 as part of Operation Maridun, an AFP-led multi-agency investigation into irregular betting on the awards.
Third Person Charged in Multimillion Dollar Fraud Case – 20 September 2024
Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged a third man for his alleged role in a $10 million financing fraud targeting a Sydney automotive group. The investigation found that the syndicate was allegedly using the stolen personal information of more than 33 people to apply for loans through various financial companies to purchase luxury cars that did not exist.
https://www.miragenews.com/third-person-charged-in-multimillion-dollar-1320734/
