Kroll has announced the appointment of Michael Phelan as Strategic Advisor to its Forensic Investigations and Intelligence practice in Australia, adding to the team’s robust expertise in complex investigations related to fraud, corruption and anti-money laundering.
Phelan was previously Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), where he contributed to the significant disruption of criminal networks. His 30-year career in law enforcement also includes service as Chief Police Officer of ACT Policing and Deputy Commissioner for National Security at the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Phelan’s vast experience will greatly enhance Kroll’s ability to support state and federal government clients in Australia, the Pacific and Southeast Asia on issues including anti-bribery and corruption and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF). He will also support private clients on the delivery of complex investigations, especially those focused on countering illicit trade, fraud, and sensitive cross-border issues.
Michael Phelan, Strategic Advisor to Kroll, said: “We are seeing a big shift in how internal investigations are handled at the highest levels of government and corporations as public scrutiny intensifies. Kroll is well-respected and recognised globally for its corporate investigations and risk advisory services. As the need for independent expertise in complex investigations grows, our team will be well-positioned to create a safer Australia that is better connected, better informed and better equipped to deal with crime and criminal justice issues at home and abroad.”
Phelan will work alongside Kroll’s Australian leadership team, led by Cem Ozturk, Managing Director for Forensic Investigations and Intelligence, Amanda Wood, Head of AML Advisory for Australia & South Pacific, and Gary Gill, Head of Investigations.
The team has worked on some of the highest profile investigations and AML/CTF cases in the Asia Pacific region:
- Cem Ozturk has supported governments around the Asia Pacific, including several of the largest and most successful corruption investigations in Southeast Asia in recent years.
- Gary Gill led the Securency investigation for the Reserve Bank of Australia that led to Australia’s first foreign bribery prosecution, and he leads Kroll’s Independent Monitorship of Crown Sydney for the NSW Independent Casino Commission.
- Amanda Wood led the redevelopment and remediation of Westpac’s financial crime capability and the bank’s response to AUSTRAC in the lead-up to enforcement action. She also led the redevelopment of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Financial Crime Compliance framework and CBA’s response to AUSTRAC in the lead-up to its enforcement action.
Cem Ozturk said: “It is an honour to welcome Mike to Kroll. Mike has worked tirelessly to keep Australians and our government agencies safe from fraud and organised crime for more than 30 years. His experience working across state and international borders will significantly amplify Kroll’s capability in regional intelligence and investigations, which is more important than ever as Australia’s responsibility in the Asia Pacific grows.”
