Media leaks of Ben Roberts-Smith arrest referred to National Anti-Corruption Commission

The Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) has referred suspected unauthorized media leaks related to Ben Roberts-Smith’s arrest to Australia’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The referral follows media coverage of Roberts-Smith’s arrest at Sydney Airport on April 7, where news crews were present despite OSI’s usual low-profile approach. Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Services (SAS) veteran, was charged with five counts of war crime murder allegedly committed during his deployment in Afghanistan. He denies the allegations and described his arrest as an ‘unnecessary spectacle’ in a statement released on April 19. OSI Director-General Chris Moriaitis confirmed during a Senate estimates hearing that media outlets were aware of the arrest details before it occurred. He expressed concern over the leaks, stating that his office ‘usually kept a low profile’ and that the presence of media at the scene was unusual. The referral to the NACC, co-written with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), highlights potential unauthorized disclosures. Moriaitis clarified that while the OSI informed Attorney-General Michelle Rowland’s office ahead of the arrest, specific details such as the location were not disclosed. Footage of the arrest, captured by AFP media officers, was later shared with major news outlets. The NACC has not yet responded to the referral. Roberts-Smith’s legal team continues to challenge the allegations, emphasizing his denial of wrongdoing while criticizing the arrest’s public nature.