Western Union Faces Australian Probe, Citing Terror and Child Exploitation Risks

AUSTRAC has launched an enforcement investigation into The Western Union Company and its Australian subsidiary.

The watchdog expressed serious concerns about the company's management of criminal exploitation risks in high-risk payment channels. The investigation focuses on Western Union’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) programs.

AUSTRAC will review the firm's transaction monitoring systems and internal governance. Regulators are specifically examining the company's ability to detect child sexual exploitation and terrorism financing.

This action follows an external audit of Western Union ordered by AUSTRAC in 2025. Western Union confirmed it is taking the investigation seriously and is cooperating fully with the regulator.