Video shows lawyers advising on steering corrupt cash into Australia

Australia has become a safe haven for corrupt funds after undercover video emerged on Wednesday detailing how regional leaders hide government funds in Australian bank accounts.

Harvey Maladina, a lawyer from Papua New Guinea (PNG), was recorded explaining how a "prestigious" law firm and senior lawyer inflated invoices to conceal the movements of corrupt money.

Maladina's law firm partner, Greg Sheppard, a former Queensland crown prosecutor, was also caught on video explaining that the " only way" to bribe foreign officials without detection was to pay in small increments disguised as commercial transactions.

Fairfax Media, which obtained the video from anti-corruption organization Global Witness, said Maladina and Sheppard are considered close to PNG Prime Minister and his senior ministers and advisors.

Last year, Sheppard was appointed as "resident" director of the private security company for Australia's offshore detention center in PNG. He resigned in January.

In the video, Sheppard coaches prospective clients on how to move suspect funds without attracting the attention of police.

"It would have to be something that didn't raise suspicion, something that was ostensibly commercial," Sheppard told the undercover operative. "The days of banging a million bucks into this secret numbered account in Singapore is over." Endi