NSW corrections officer allegedly accepts bribe to smuggle encrypted phone into prison

Publisher
ABC News
Date published
August 2025

Relevant impacts:  Government Outcomes Impact, Reputational Impact, Security Impact

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged a Sydney man for smuggling an encrypted communications device into a correctional facility. The man was identified as part of Operation Kraken-Kamino, investigating allegations of a planned false terrorist plot to obscure drug smuggling operations.

The corrections officer is alleged to have smuggled the dedicated encrypted communications device into a correctional facility in exchange for a bribe of less than $2,000. 

The corrections officer was revealed after examining an encrypted device found in the hands of one of the accused caught up in Operation Kraken-Kamino. AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man’s home in Sydney’s north-west on 27 September 2024, and seized pistol rounds and electronic devices. The man is currently out on bail, awaiting trial.

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The Concealer

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The Exploiter

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Positive workplace culture

A positive workplace culture can encourage ethical and supportive behaviours while discouraging fraudulent or corrupt activities. Staff will be less able to rationalise fraudulent or corrupt activities where a positive workplace culture exists. A culture built on honesty, transparency and integrity is a key organisational strength that can serve to reduce the risk of fraud. If weak countermeasures are the fuel, a bad culture can be the spark that ignites fraud and corruption.

Sufficient resourcing

Adequately resourced prevention and compliance areas enable entities to perform effective countermeasures.

Staff and contractor rotation

Rotate staff and contractors in and out of roles to avoid familiarity. Staff and contractors can become too familiar with processes, customers or vendors, which can lead to insider threats.

Segregation of duties

Separate duties by allocating tasks and associated privileges for a business process to multiple staff. This is very important in areas such as payroll, finance, procurement, contract management and human resources. Systems help to enforce the strong separation of duties. This is also known as segregation of duties.

Activity reporting

Prepare summary reports on activities for clients, managers or responsible staff.

Investigate fraud

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