The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) issued a warning letter to online payment platforms urging them to strengthen controls to prevent payments linked to child sexual exploitation, after a supervisory campaign identified customers suspected of making such payments. Across the sector, AUSTRAC found low suspicious matter reporting, weak transaction monitoring, and failures to identify and manage high-risk customers. WorldRemit has been directed to appoint an external auditor, letters of concern have been sent to five businesses, and several others are under investigation. AUSTRAC’s campaign applied typologies and indicators it expects platforms to use, including patterns such as frequent low-value international transfers of AUD 10 to AUD 500 with benign payment descriptions and links to travel to high-risk jurisdictions; customers identified through the exercise were referred to the Australian Border Force and law enforcement.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) 2025-11-19
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre warns online payment platforms to tighten controls against payments for child sexual exploitation
AUSTRAC warned online payment platforms to improve controls against payments linked to child sexual exploitation after finding deficiencies in suspicious matter reporting and transaction monitoring. WorldRemit must appoint an external auditor, with letters of concern sent to five businesses and others under investigation. AUSTRAC's campaign used specific typologies and indicators, leading to referrals to the Australian Border Force and law enforcement.