Project Dragon
"I'm a hired gun to help either large corporates or governments to get back what is rightfully theirs." Asset recovery agent.
As China has transformed itself into an economic powerhouse, billions of dollars have been illegally spirited out of the country. A large amount has made its way here to Australia.
"I think it's been well understood for a number years that Australia has been a target location for hot money... We've seen that activity increase exponentially over the last number of years." Financial crimes investigator.
Chinese authorities want the money back, and they've sent a clear message to anyone who has broken their rules - we will find you and your money.
"It seems as if there's more than enough evidence that at least in jurisdictions like...Australia, the US and America, coercive tactics were used to force people back to China." Transnational crime expert.
Now China has opened up a new front in its war on those accused of financial crimes. On Monday Four Corners will reveal the new tactics being used by Chinese authorities to take back money they believe has been stashed illegally in Australia.
"The mission is a recovery of funds that have been filtered from China to Australia." Private investigator.
A new breed of financial bounty hunters is on the case, and their target is Australian real estate.
"There's what we're referring to as a cluster of properties... Most of them, or all of them waterfront, luxuriously appointed." Security consultant.
With exclusive access to these investigators, reporter Mark Willacy sees first hand the extraordinary lengths they are going to.
"We can sell it and return the money back to China. Everyone's happy...it's a legal plan. There's no drama." Private investigator.
With questions being asked about the legality of their actions and the reach of the Chinese state, it's a high risk operation.
"I think they have to tread carefully. One of the challenges they've got is that they need to walk a very, very narrow line." Financial crimes investigator.
For the recovery agents themselves, they believe they are onto a financial winner.
"There's a huge opportunity to develop and exploit this business channel, especially when it comes to Chinese money of dubious origin that has parked itself in Australia." Asset recovery agent.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
Cape Fear
A storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna and Tom Bowden when Max Cady, the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison - and he wants vengeance.
Invincible
Based on the eponymous comic book, Invincible revolves around Mark Grayson, a normal teenager except for the fact that his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. Shortly after his 17th birthday, Mark begins to develop powers of his own and enters into his father's tutelage.
Sheriff Country
Sheriff Country focuses on straight-shooting sheriff Mickey Fox, the stepsister of Cal Fire's division chief Sharon Leone, who investigates criminal activity as she patrols the streets of small-town Edgewater while contending with her ex-con father, Wes, who is an off-the-grid marijuana grower, and a mysterious incident involving her wayward daughter.
Ghosts
Samantha and Jay throw caution to the wind when they convert their recently inherited country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Call it mislaid plans. Not only is the place falling apart, but it's also inhabited by spirits of previous residents -- whom only Samantha can see and hear. Ghosts spins the funny, heartfelt story about a newfound dream that reveals connection and self-discovery aren't just for the living.