Investigations & White-Collar Crime Lawyers | Corporate Misconduct Lawyers | Mallesons (formerly KWM)

Protecting reputation, managing risk, and ensuring accountability

Allegations of bribery, fraud, corruption or other serious misconduct can damage reputations and shake stakeholder confidence. Once an allegation has been made, usually there is an urgent need to understand what has happened, and take steps to address the legal and reputational risks.

At Mallesons, we work with clients to prevent, detect and respond to complex issues. From internal investigations to defending enforcement action, we provide clear, strategic advice backed by years of experience in high-profile matters across Australia and beyond.

Our clients include listed companies, financial institutions, government bodies, and global corporates. Whether it’s a whistleblower complaint, modern slavery issue or bribery allegation, we act quickly and with purpose – helping you manage legal risk, protect your reputation and move forward with confidence.

Strategic solutions for every challenge

We advise clients at every stage – from proactive compliance and training through to managing crises and regulatory enforcement. Our team works seamlessly with in-house legal, boards, compliance teams and external advisers to guide you through complex investigations with calm, clarity and control.

We know the law, but we also know how to manage risk, handle sensitive information and communicate with impact. We build strategies that work for your business – not just in theory, but in practice.

Our Expertise in Investigations & White Collar Crime

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Proven success in action

Conducting multi-jurisdictional investigation into foreign bribery

An ASX-listed company retained Mallesons to advise its Board in a major multi-jurisdictional investigation into allegations of foreign bribery involving suppliers across Asia, the Pacific and the US. We conducted an expedited multi-jurisdictional, multi-language investigation to test the allegations and recommend action.

Investigating subcontractor misconduct linked to phoenix activity

We advised a national client in response to concerns about illegal activity by third parties. The allegations involved a network of related entities. We led a discreet internal investigation, including forensic document review, interviews, and stakeholder engagement. Our findings enabled the client to terminate high-risk relationships, implement tighter third-party controls, and engage with regulators on next steps – reducing legal exposure and safeguarding the integrity of their supply chain.

Responding to a cross-border corruption probe

When a multinational client faced allegations of bribery across the Asia-Pacific, we led the internal investigation alongside forensic experts and external advisers. We conducted witness interviews, managed regulator engagement across jurisdictions, and advised the board on legal risk and disclosure. Our clear reporting and swift action helped contain the issue and preserve the client’s licence to operate.

Rebuilding trust through a global anti-bribery and corruption programe

Our client, a global entertainment company, wanted to develop and embed a robust anti-bribery and corruption compliance framework across its global operations. Mallesons undertook risk assessments across land-based and digital businesses, the redesign of policies and controls, delivered training programs, and supported integration of new acquisitions. The program now operates across Australia, the US, Asia, EMEA and Latin America.

Advising on modern slavery risks in supply chains across Asia

We work with Australian and multinational companies to assess and respond to modern slavery risks in their supply chains. For one large client, we advised on engaging a tier 1 supplier over overseas labour practices and guided the company through its reporting obligations under the Modern Slavery Act. For another, we helped remediate modern slavery concerns in Malaysia through a first-of-its-kind contractual arrangement involving an NGO and supplier repayments to affected workers.

Guiding a major financial institution through a high-profile whistleblower investigation

We advised a financial institution on a sensitive whistleblower complaint involving allegations against senior executives. We managed the full investigation – including forensic reviews, witness interviews and engagement with the whistleblower – and provided clear, actionable recommendations to the board. Our work helped the client uphold governance standards while preserving procedural fairness and confidentiality.

Managing regulatory risk in a sanctions-heavy environment

We are advising a major international insurer on its global sanctions obligations, including navigating the tension between Australian and overseas regimes. Our work includes applying for sanctions permits, advising on cross-border insurance operations, and supporting compliance with DFAT requirements – all while maintaining commercial continuity across complex markets.

Talk to us about how we can support your organisation through complex investigations and white-collar crime matters — from first response to final resolution.

Testimonials

Great lawyers to have on your side during a crisis. King & Wood Mallesons (Mallesons) provides technical expertise, is easy to work with and administratively efficient. They have a great combination of technical expertise and practical experience.
Chambers & Partners - 2026

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