Transparency International Australia has condemned revelations that a private security firm is secretly involved in Nauru’s detention operations with bikie gang-linked contractors.
This follows the the Australian government’s refusal to provide transparency around its multi-billion dollar detention arrangement with Nauru, following revelations that Nauru President David Adeang gave an interview in Nauruan to state-run media about the deal but neither government would provide an official English translation.
“The Australian government has continued to prioritise secrecy over transparency in Nauru,” said Clancy Moore, CEO, Transparency International Australia.
Mr Moore noted the concerning pattern of financial flows associated with Australia’s offshore detention arrangements, and warned the resettlement deal was likely to follow the same pattern.
“Corruption and money laundering allegations have long cast a shadow over Australia’s detention centres in Nauru.”
“The conveyor of corruption scandals generally begin with tax-payer money from Canberra going to detention centre companies and end up lining the pockets of Nauru’s politicians.”
“President David Adeang has been at the centre of many of these scandals dating back to the alleged foreign bribery case with Australian miner Getax in 2008 where suspect payments from the company were transferred to his then wife’s bank accounts.”
“Nauru is a classic case of kleptocracy where government politicians and elites engage in corruption and theft of public funds.”
In 2020, Australia’s financial crime agency AUSTRAC produced a confidential report alleging Adeang’s involvement in corruption and money laundering, according to testimony given in the Senate this week.
In February 2025, Australia struck a deal to send former detainees to the Pacific nation worth $408 million upfront, and $70 million annually over 30 years. At least four people under the NZYQ cohort deportation arrangement have arrived in Nauru in recent weeks.
The revelations raise serious questions about how a company simultaneously holding contracts to guard Australia’s anti-corruption watchdog and the agency responsible for targeting bikie gangs could be involved in detention operations with bikie gang-linked figures and an allegedly corrupt foreign president.
TI Australia further urges the Government to publish the full terms of all contracts and subcontracts, mandate enhanced due diligence, criminal history, and beneficial ownership checks across prime and sub-contractors, and protect whistleblowers with safe and confidential channels.
