EY staffer axed after alleged breach of PM’s bank account

Two Sydney men, at least one reportedly a former graduate employee of big four firm Ernst & Young (EY), faced local court yesterday (30 June) following allegations they accessed private banking details – including those of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – during a secondment with the Commonwealth Bank.

While details are still emerging about the exact backgrounds of both, the men have been identified as Paul Issa, 21, and Phillip Issa, 25.

They were subsequently arrested and charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 6 May.

According to The Australian Financial Review, a third individual, said to be an EY employee, was also involved and reportedly fired.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed Paul Issa was charged with one count of unauthorised access to, or modification of, restricted data, and one count of using a carriage service to make available, publish or otherwise distribute personal data.

Phillip Issa was charged with one count of causing unauthorised access to restricted data.

The spokesperson furthered that both men were granted bail ahead of their appearance in court, but added: “As the matter is before the court, no further comment will be made.”

Accounting Times received the following comment from a Commonwealth Bank spokesperson: “It is not appropriate for us to comment on individual contractor matters.”

EY declined to comment on the matter.

As reported in the Canberra Times, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said breaches of this nature were “incredibly concerning”.

“Not just in relation to the PM’s details but any Australians’ details”.

The incident comes at a heated time in the broader professional services industry, following the shocking allegations of misconduct at KPMG and the resulting resignations of several senior leaders.

According to the case listing, bail is to be continued for both Sydney men, with the case next scheduled to be heard in August.