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Ben ButlerNational Investigations Editor

Ben Butler has investigated everything from bikie gangs to multibillion dollar international frauds, with a particular focus on the intersection between the corporate and criminal worlds. He has previously worked for mastheads including The Age, The Australian and The Guardian.

Ben Butler

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Business

People enjoy the view of the Kremlin from a pedestrian bridge at the Zaryadye Park during sunset in downtown Moscow on July 1, 2023. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP)

Tigers Realm action threatens sanctions regime

Legal experts say the coal miner’s challenge to Canberra could blow a hole in Australia’s anti-Russia sanctions if it succeeds.

ExclusiveBusiness

the jalna family are at war with each other

$100m fortune: Jalna yoghurt tycoon’s niece in legal war

A war over a $100m fortune is brewing in the Victorian Supreme Court between the family members of one of Australia’s best-known yoghurt brands, Jalna.

Full ListCompanies

Australia's wealthy magnates and their legal wars

Five of Australia’s most famous family feuds

From Gina Rinehart to James Packer, here are the most famous family legal stoushes in the nation. See the list.

True Crime

Six charged over alleged roles in illicit drug ring operating out of Sutherland Shire and Monaro, Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad and Southern Region Enforcement Squad have charged six people over their alleged involvement in the supply of prohibited drugs across Sydney and the Monaro region., , In late 2021, Southern Region Enforcement Squad commenced Strike Force Sulphur, an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the Monaro region. As a result of the investigation, a joint operation commenced earlier this year with the Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (South), who established Strike Force Watson to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs between the Sutherland Shire and Monaro regions., , Throughout the joint investigation, strike force officers have seized 4000 MDMA pills and 1.1kg of cocaine., , Following further extensive investigations, four men – aged 23, 26, 27 and 29 – and were arrested by the Tactical Operations Unit on Castenau Street, Caringbah South, about 11am yesterday (Thursday 24 November 2022)., , Investigators seized 5000 MDMA pills and about 280g of cocaine, along with $185,000 cash., , The total estimated potential street value of the MDMA and cocaine seized throughout the investigation is more than $750,000., , The men were taken to Sutherland Police Station., , Shortly after the arrests, Strike Force Watson officers, assisted by Central Metropolitan Region’s ODIN, executed search warrants at homes at Caringbah South and Loftus., , A 32-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were arrested at the Caringbah South property and also taken to Sutherland Police Station., , A child from the home was placed into the care of a relative., , Extraterritorial search warrants were executed by ACT Policing at Watson in the ACT., , A further search warrant was executed by the Southern Region Enforcement Squad at Queanbeyan in NSW., , During the searches, police seized cocaine, MDMA pills and powder, $292,000 in cash, drug manufacturing equipment, cannabis, electronic storage devices, and mobile phones to undergo forensic examination., , The 32-year-old Caringbah South man was charged with 10 counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of take part supply prohibited drug, knowingly direct activities of criminal group, and deal with proceeds of crime., , The 26-year-old Caringbah South woman was charged with six counts of supply prohibited drug, six counts of take part supply prohibited drug, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and deal with proceeds of crime., , The 23-year-old Watson, ACT, man was charged with nine counts of supply prohibited drug, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity., , The 26-year-old Watson, ACT, man was charged with 12 counts of supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity., , The 27-year-old Randwick man was charged with supply prohibited drug, take part supply prohibited drug, and deal with property proceeds of crime., , The 29-year-old Crace, ACT, man was charged with three counts of supply prohibited drug, take part supply prohibited drug, deal with property proceeds of crime, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity., , Police will allege in court that the group were involved in large commercial-scale supply of prohibited drugs., , They have all been refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court today (Friday 25 November 2022).

Race against time to cut illicit cash

A key player in the fight against transnational crime says lawyers, real estate agents and others who have resisted reporting dodgy transactions need to be brought into account.

ExclusiveNarcos on the Front Line

‘Bloody years’: Aussie drug lord’s family shocked

The parents of Australian fugitive Anthony Phillip Sitar have opened up about their son and how police are chasing him across the world.

Your SayNational

Australian power prices among highest in the world

New analysis of power prices shows electricity costs per kilowatt in Australia now eclipse the average in the United States. See how your state compares.

National

Kylie Rogers, AFL executive general manager commercial and Karl Mohan, Crypto.com general manager Asia & Pacific. Photo credit is: Jonathan Di Maggio

How AFL sponsor’s fraud fight affects Aussies

Major AFL sponsor Crypto.com has taken a dramatic step to heighten customer security. See how it affects you.

ExclusiveCompanies

Crypto Binance empire facing a mountain of trouble

Go behind the glitz and glamour of crypto empire Binance to see how quickly the shining global star has found itself under the scrutiny of investigators.

Companies

Binance under investigation by asic in australia

‘Breaches’: Aussie investigation into crypto giant’s billions

Australia’s corporate cop is investigating the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange. See what it means for its customers.

National

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - OCTOBER 14, 2022: General generic editorial stock image of Jetstar aircraft at Sydney Domestic Airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

Jetstar to refund “rip off” credit card fees

Jetstar has stung thousands of customers by overcharging them for using a popular credit card. See why and when people can expect their refund.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/ben-butler/page/13