Two brothers have been charged by the Australian Federal Police for allegedly accessing the personal bank account details of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a senior employee at the accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY). Paul Issa, 21, who was on secondment with the Commonwealth Bank, faces charges of unauthorized access or modification of restricted data and using a carriage service to publish personal data to menace or harass. His older brother, Phillip Issa, 25, has been charged with unauthorized access or modification of restricted data.
The alleged incident occurred while Paul Issa was working with the Commonwealth Bank. He has since been terminated by EY. The brothers appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court and were granted bail. Their bail conditions include residing at a specified address and refraining from contacting or harassing Prime Minister Albanese.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers described the alleged breaches as "incredibly concerning," emphasizing the importance of protecting all Australians' financial details. EY has reportedly reiterated its strict policies to employees following the alleged breach.
Outside of the alleged incident, the Issa brothers are known in their local community as basketball enthusiasts who run a coaching business for young children called Little Boomers Basketball. They are franchisee partners with the company, teaching children aged three to 12 in Sydney suburbs. Neighbours described them as dedicated to their coaching roles.
According to court filings, the matter is expected to be escalated to the District Court. The Commonwealth Bank declined to comment on individual contractor matters.
This incident comes as rival firm KPMG faces separate allegations concerning the misuse of confidential information and the mistreatment of a whistleblower. KPMG is currently under a three-month moratorium on new work for the finance department.