The author of Hawthorn’s racism report has reportedly been arrested and is expected to be charged on summons for fraud-related offences.
Former Richmond forward Phil Egan was arrested by Victoria Police financial crime squad detectives on Tuesday, the Herald Sun reports.
Egan, now the managing director of consulting firm Binmada, was previously a manager at Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative in Robinvale, which is under investigation over a number of allegations of fraud.
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Victoria Police said in a statement on Tuesday: “Detectives from the financial crime squad have arrested a man today as part of an investigation into allegations of fraud relating to the management of a Robinvale-based organisation.”
“A 60-year-old Aberfeldie man was interviewed earlier today by investigators. He has been released and is expected to be charged on summons with fraud-related offences. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Egan’s review into cultural safety at Hawthorn helped lead to the AFL’s ongoing investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards several First Nations players and their families at the club.
He categorically denied allegations of fraud relating to his previous job when they emerged in December.
“I categorically deny that I have stolen from the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative (MVAC) in any way whatsoever,” Egan wrote at the time, adding the “slurs against my name” were just “dog whistling”.
“At all times I have acted with honesty, integrity and in the best interests of the MVAC.”
