A fugitive hiding in a remote country town.
Two overseas offenders, wanted for serious child-related offences living undetected in Queensland.
Neither case was solved through traditional policing alone. Both were resolved through financial intelligence and innovative collaboration.
Strengthening investigations through financial intelligence
The arrests highlight the positive impact of the Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (FAST), established by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 2021 and strengthened through financial intelligence support from AUSTRAC’s Fintel Alliance members.
These outcomes reflect the strength of an innovative public-private partnership model delivered through the Fintel Alliance, which brings together government agencies, law enforcement and industry to support investigations with shared expertise and financial intelligence.
Through this collaboration, law enforcement is supported with financial intelligence insights that help build a clearer understanding of an individual’s activities and associations across jurisdictions, providing additional context to inform operational decision‑making.
From pilot to national capability
What began as a targeted AFP pilot has since evolved into a nationally used capability supporting law enforcement agencies across Australia.
As FAST’s effectiveness became clear, demand grew from national, state and territory police seeking specialist financial intelligence support through the Fintel Alliance.
This evolution reflects growing trust in the model and recognition of its ability to help progress high‑harm fugitive investigations that may otherwise face significant challenges.
A growing intelligence network
New sectors are coming under our regulatory framework, including:
- real estate professionals
- legal professionals
- accountants
- dealers in precious metals, stones and products
- conveyancers
- trust and company service providers.
The additional insight these sectors can bring will further enhance the financial intelligence provided to capabilities such as FAST, helping to disrupt criminal networks and protect the community.
Together, the Fintel Alliance and FAST demonstrate how public-private partnership enables a more agile and intelligence-driven response to serious and organised crime nationally and internationally.
Case study: High profile fraudster found
In 2021, the AFP engaged FAST to assist in finding a fugitive wanted on serious fraud charges.
Harnessing specialist financial intelligence provided through the Fintel Alliance, FAST identified critical leads that helped operational teams narrow the search and ultimately locate the individual, who was hiding in a remote rural area in Victoria.
The fugitive was arrested and the AFP publicly acknowledged the contribution of the Fintel Alliance and partner banks ‒ reinforcing the value of financial intelligence in supporting complex, high risk operations.
Case study: Fugitives wanted for child related offences
During National Child Protection Week in 2022, FAST demonstrated its capability by helping pinpoint the location of 2 New Zealand men wanted for child sexual offences and assault.
Working with financial intelligence analysts from Fintel Alliance, FAST identified the offenders were living in Queensland. Both men were arrested and extradited to New Zealand to face charges.
Working together to disrupt serious crime
Together, the Fintel Alliance and FAST demonstrate what is possible when public and private sectors work together.
By combining financial intelligence with investigative expertise, this partnership strengthens Australia’s ability to detect, disrupt and respond to serious and organised crime.