WiseTech founder offered $5m “tax‑free” payout to silence accuser while under trading probe

White further told the woman she would “get at least $5 million net cash tax-free,” adding that WiseTech would contribute roughly $350,000 and he would cover the difference. According to two sources briefed on the matter who could not comment publicly, the then board did not accept White’s personal settlement attempt, and the matter was only resolved after the board’s subsequent mass resignation.

The recording has been provided to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which is investigating share trades White made between late December 2024 and 26 Februrary 2025 – the same period during which he was negotiating with the woman. White sold 1.87 million shares valued at more than $200 million while the company was in a blackout period, during which executives and key personnel are prohibited from trading. White has maintained he obtained legal advice confirming he was permitted to sell, as he was a consultant rather than an executive.

During the same phone call, White disclosed that a separate woman who consulted to the WiseTech board had also filed a complaint against him and was demanding $30 million. “The problem is someone can say, I don’t care, I feel injured. I’m going to go to the press unless you pay me $30 million,” White said. “It’s irrational.”

Trading probe shadows WiseTech founder

The revelations come after a turbulent stretch for WiseTech. In October, ASIC, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), executed search warrants at WiseTech’s Sydney headquarters as part of the ongoing investigation. WiseTech shares plummeted nearly 17% to A$70.60 in the wake of the raid – their lowest level in more than six months.

At WiseTech’s annual general meeting in November 2025, White appeared emotional, wiping away tears in front of shareholders and staff. “I’m sorry,” he told roughly 100 shareholders and staff gathered at the meeting in Sydney’s Alexandria suburb. At the same meeting, newly appointed independent chair told shareholders that neither he nor the company was prepared to comment on the ongoing ASIC investigation, describing it as being “at a very early stage” with no charges or allegations against the company, The Nightly reported.