Senior politician is caught visiting seedy south east Asian towns renowned for their links to prostitution and drugs
- Senior politician was caught visiting seedy south east Asian neighbourhoods
- The squalid areas have been renowned for their links to prostitution and drugs
- Australian Federal Police have concerns the politician could be blackmailed
- The politician has been caught transferring money to multiple accounts
The government is facing another scandal after a senior politician was caught visiting squalid south east Asian neighbourhoods known for prostitution and drugs.
The Australian Federal Police have concerns the MP, who can't be named due to legal reasons, could be blackmailed after it was revealed he had been transferring money to multiple accounts in the area.
A government financial intelligence agency discovered the transfers and notified the AFP.
A senior politician has been caught visiting squalid South East Asian neighbourhoods known for prostitution and drugs (stock image)
Further investigations found he was frequently visiting the 'dangerous' neighbourhoods, renowned for links to prostitution and drugs, the Herald Sun reported.
The inquiries were conducted as authorities were unable to encrypt messages he sent online, but no evidence suggests he committed any crime.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin referred the concerns to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet secretary Martin Parkinson.
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Authorities are concerned as they believe the MP may become a victim of blackmail or extortion if his actions are revealed.
The Herald Sun was told the politician travelled on his personal passport but had been warned about the risks of travel to the areas he visited.
The AFP don't know the details of his visits, but the news has made government officials 'deeply uneasy'.
An AFP spokesperson said it 'does not confirm or deny who it may be investigating'.
The Australian Federal Police have concerns the MP could be blackmailed after it's been found he has been transferring money to multiple accounts in the area (stock image)
Daily Mail Australia is not implying the politician is guilty of any offence.
Another senior politician contacted the AFP after he was privately contacted by an embassy official who noted the trips could have an effect on Australia's diplomatic ranks.
The politician's activity while abroad has raised serious concerns among other MPs as his future was discussed within Coalition ranks.
'We are aware of an allegation made by a Labor front bencher that has been discredited and dismissed by the AFP,' a statement from the Prime Minister's office said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister and Cabinet's office for comment.
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