News

Worner denies Seven ever had deal with Schapelle as police launch internal probe over raids

The boss of Seven West Media has denied there has ever been a deal in place for an interview with convicted smuggler Schapelle Corby, as the Australian Federal Police have launched an investigation into a raid on the media company’s offices this week.

Tim Worner has described widespread reports there was a deal worth up to $3m between the family of Corby and Seven as “complete and utter baloney” and a “falsehood”.

The statement comes the day Seven West Media’s main newspaper, The West Australian, reported the AFP has launched an internal investigation into the raids on the Sydney offices and “counselled” a senior officer accused of botching a search warrant and naming one of Seven’s lawyers as having withheld evidence.

Seven has demanded the AFP hand over documents used to justify the raids by 4pm on Monday, or threatened legal action against them.

However, today the AFP told the West Australian they had enough evidence to continue investigations, which are being carried out under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

On Wednesday it emerged police had taken a contract between Seven and the Corby family it had found in the raid, which was described by Worner as “unsigned” and “uncosummated”.

Whilst it is understood Seven was in the box seat to set up an interview with Corby, it appears hopes of it happening soon have been dashed by the Indonesian Justice Minister, who said it would violate the terms of her parole by causing public unrest.

The statement from CEO Worner read: “Comments today by the AFP confirm what we’ve known all along. We actually have not done anything wrong. The acknowledgement and apology are welcomed. And we await the results of the AFP’s internal investigation into their handling of this matter.

“We have been subjected to raids which were a waste of public money and a charade. We have been publicly tarnished.
And it now appears the AFP confirms none of this was necessary.

“Today, the AFP confirmed and stressed several times the level of co-operation it had received from Seven West Media.

“Somehow, this co-operation was reciprocated with a raid on us by officers with exposed guns. We take our role as a media company seriously. We will pursue news.

“We can confirm that reports of $2 million or $3 million offers for an interview with Schapelle Corby are complete and utter baloney. It is a falsehood. There is no deal now and there has never been any such deal.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.