Billionaire businessman Richard White is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police over claims he exploited a woman’s immigration status and financial situation for sex, and provided false information for a visa application.
The investigation into the executive chairman of WiseTech Global was first reported by Max Mason and Kate McClymont across Nine papers on Monday. It notes the investigation by the AFP’s human exploitation taskforce was launched this year after a complaint by a former executive at another company White controls, Kyckr. Former Kyckr chief executive Kathy Phelan made the complaint, according to the Nine report.
The allegations brought to light relate to Caroline Heidemann, a Brazilian woman who was once employed by WiseTech as a cleaner. Heidemann has previously made similar claims but she reached a settlement with White last year. In that case in court, Heidemann alleged White made it clear that financial assistance was contingent upon her engaging in a sexual relationship with him.
Phelan was sacked as CEO of Kyckr in June last year and alleges that White created “the false appearance” under her leadership that it was legitimately sponsoring Heidemann in a professional capacity.
The AFP has not commented on the matter and there is no suggestion that the claims made are true.
WiseTech Global is a technology company that specialises in shipping logistics software. Earlier this year, the company controversially announced plans to cut around 2000 jobs as part of an AI-driven restructure. White is also the chief innovation officer at WiseTech.
White has served as executive chair of WiseTech since February, when he returned to the leadership team after standing down as chief executive in late 2024 after first making headlines for allegations of sexual misconduct.
Separately, White is being investigated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission over share trading allegations.