Investigation summaries
Operation Warrego
Operation Warrego investigated allegations of unauthorised access to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) financial transactions database by a Victoria Police officer.
In early 2013, we received information about possible unauthorised access to the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) financial transactions database, by a Victoria Police officer.
The alleged unauthorised access, by a Detective Senior Constable in a metropolitan Criminal Investigation Unit, was for information about a known criminal, with a request that the information be sent to a private email address.
Outcome
Our investigation established that the request for information was for legitimate police purposes, with the private email address used (albeit contrary to police protocols) due to the police officer being on leave at the time.
In notifying Victoria Police, a number of issues were drawn to the attention of the Chief Commissioner of Police, including the receipt and use of AUSTRAC information by members of police, and work conducted by police officers whilst on recreational leave.