• AST OMB released report titled Uncovering the use of undercover powers, 2022-23 report to the Attorney-General on agencies’ compliance with the Crimes act 1914: controlled operations delayed notification search warrants account takeover warrants.
• It includes results of AST OMB's inspections conducted under part IAAC (account takeover warrants) of the Crimes act 1914 between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.
• Follows AST GVT September 2019 consulted on ASIC enforcement taskforce.
• Document dated 21 March 2024, was received on 21 March due to a new feed.

Report Highlights

• AST OMB reminded that an account takeover warrant (ATW) allows law enforcement to take control of an online account when investigating a serious offense; report made three suggestions and two better practice suggestions regarding use of ATW powers.
• Online accounts include social media accounts as well as online banking accounts.
• AST AFP had low usage of ATWs; found they have good frameworks and controls in place to exercise powers under act compliantly, but still some areas for improvement.