Australians have lost millions to phishing scams. This man teaches criminals how to do it | 7.30

Adrian Katong portrays himself online as a hard-working family man. A prolific social media user, Katong likes to post photos of himself and his family. He also likes the good life — splashing on expensive jewellery, overseas holidays, tech gadgets, cars and a Kawasaki motorbike.

Beneath this facade of success, Adrian Katong has a secret.

For almost 10 years, Katong led a criminal network that stole millions of dollars through phishing scams from victims worldwide.

He has been investigated by police in three jurisdictions over his role in one of the world's largest phishing operations.

A joint investigation by the FBI, the Australian Federal Police and the Royal Malaysian Police culminated in November last year with a raid on his home by Malaysian detectives.

But 7.30 can reveal that his operations were never disbanded. Katong has never been charged with any offence and is currently rebuilding his business, according to cyber crime forensic investigator Bex Nitert.

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