Police investigating Taylor Swift’s security detail after Sydney dinner

NSW Police are investigating a security firm after megastar Taylor Swift went out for dinner in Sydney with her opening act Sabrina Carpenter.

Bombshell claims have been made about a security firm hired to protect US megastar Taylor Swift.

Swift is in Australia as part of her Eras tour and performed in Sydney on Friday in front of 80,000 at the Accor Stadium.

As a high profile star she naturally has a stringent security detail but questions are beginning to emerge about the Aussie team hired to protect Swift.

On Friday evening, Sky News host Erin Molan broke the story that the security firm Swift has hired in Australia could be operating without a NSW licence, potentially exposing the superstar to a security risk.

NSW Police told news.com.au officers from the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate had commenced an investigation in relation to “an alleged breach of the Security Industry Act 1997 occurring Tuesday 20 February 2024 at Surry Hills”.

The breach is in relation to a low-key dinner Swift had in Surry Hills on Tuesday night at Pellegrino 2000 which quickly was overwhelmed by fans outside the diner.

Taylor Swift concert at the MCG. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

It’s understood police are looking into whether CorpSec International, based in Queensland, was working for the star without obtaining the required licence to operate in New South Wales.

News.com.au reached out to CorpSec International but they declined to comment about the allegation.

The CEO of Australian Security Industry Association Limited Bryan de Caires told Sky News that it was unlawful not to have a NSW licence.

“You are exposing your client to reputational and brand damage and you are just taking a risk that is unnecessary,” he told Molan on Sky News.

Mr de Caires said tougher checks and more uniformity were needed in terms of how the sector was regulated across the country and urged the prime minister to get on board.

“In some states you don’t even have to be a permanent resident to get a security licence,” he said.

She kept her head down as she exited the venue. Picture: Matrix

She was joined by singer Sabrina Carpenter. Picture: Matrix

“This is a 12 billion dollar industry and there are 200,000 people working within the sector.

“If we can’t properly validate who you are and what you’re background is, it’s a potential risk to the community.

“We just need tougher checks to lift the bar.”

Swift surprised diners at an inner-city Sydney restaurant on Tuesday night after turning up unexpectedly for a low-key meal.

The megastar, 34, arrived at Pellegrino 2000 in Surry Hills with fellow singer Sabrina Carpenter, who is currently supporting her on her sold-out Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift and some of her dancers and entourage enjoy a trip to Sydney Zoo on a day off from her Eras Tour. Picture: Media Mode

Taylor Swift’s security team is currently under investigation. Picture: Media Mode

Swift reportedly declined to book out the entire Italian restaurant, instead enjoying her evening alongside stunned fellow restaurantgoers.

Word of Swift’s choice of dinner hotspot quickly spread, and hordes of Swifties were eagerly waiting outside as the famous duo left the venue later in the evening.

Among them was Kyle and Jackie O producer – and frequent celebrity tracker – Peter Deppeler, aka Intern Pete, who spilt all the details on Seven’s Sunrise on Wednesday morning.

The radio staffer claimed he had a copy of their table’s bill, which allegedly showed that they tipped $300 on a $620 bill.

However, later during the KIIS breakfast radio show, Deppeler produced the alleged “receipt” – which, according to host Jackie “O” Henderson, was actually a K-mart docket.

— with Bronte Coy