In short
- Lehrmann's legal proceedings against the special minister of state and the former NACC commissioner are ongoing.
- He remains involved in a separate anti-corruption investigation, Operation Greenough, regarding federal police conduct.
What happened
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has ended its probe into Bruce Lehrmann, who was accused of taking classified documents related to French submarines from the office of former defence minister Linda Reynolds. Lehrmann was notified by letter on Monday that the investigation, conducted under Operation Ivanhoe, would not proceed further.
Lehrmann has ongoing legal actions against Special Minister of State Don Farrell and former NACC commissioner Paul Brereton, alleging abuse of power during the investigation, including claims he was unlawfully compelled to testify at secret hearings. He is also still involved in Operation Greenough, which examines whether federal police misused information in the Brittany Higgins case.
The former commissioner decided to take no further action concerning the investigation in Operation Ivanhoe," the corruption watchdog's letter reads.
Named in this item
What compliance teams should check
- Review internal protocols for handling classified material in light of Operation Ivanhoe's closure.
- Monitor developments in Operation Greenough for potential implications regarding federal police information use.
- Assess ongoing legal proceedings involving Don Farrell and Paul Brereton for possible compliance risks.
Why it matters
The NACC's decision to abandon its investigation into Bruce Lehrmann highlights the complexities and reputational risks associated with handling classified information and anti-corruption probes. Compliance officers should note the scrutiny placed on both the conduct of investigations and the use of sensitive material, as well as the potential for legal challenges against regulatory actions. Ongoing proceedings and related investigations, such as Operation Greenough, may set important precedents for future AML/CFT compliance and oversight of law enforcement practices.
Catch stories like these on your own customers.
complead screens your customers against adverse media, sanctions and PEP lists, and re-checks them every day. When a name you hold turns up in the news, it lands in your case queue with the evidence attached.