The inquiry centers on claims that White exploited a woman’s immigration status for a sex-related motive and supplied false information on a visa application, according to Australian Financial Review reporting.

The probe also stems from a civil dispute with former Kyckr CEO Kathy Phelan, who asserts White supplied misleading information in a visa document and that the representations were untrue.

WiseTech stock has fallen roughly 74% since late 2024 amid ongoing investor concerns linked to White’s personal controversies.

The Australian Federal Police have opened a formal investigation into Richard White this year, prompted by a complaint from Kyckr’s former head, alleging White fabricated a job reason to hire a former WiseTech cleaner and provided false information to obtain her visa.

Despite WiseTech’s resilient software assets and recurring revenue, the company faces a renewed push to rebuild trust, with governance developments expected to influence near-term sentiment.

Investors reacted strongly to leadership risk and governance questions, with institutional holders typically applying lower valuations amid governance uncertainty; prior ASIC inquiries and AFP searches have further impacted sentiment.

WiseTech’s core business and the CargoWise platform are reportedly operating normally, though ongoing scrutiny could distract management and strain relationships with customers and partners.

In addition, an independent regulatory probe into executive share trading and a broader downturn in the software sector worsen the pressures on WiseTech.

WiseTech declined to comment on the police investigation, with police indicating they would provide remarks at an appropriate time.

After the news, WiseTech shares traded around A$36.88, reflecting ongoing governance and leadership scrutiny driving investor discomfort.

White previously stepped down as CEO in 2024 amid controversy and later returned as executive chairman, highlighting continuing governance concerns surrounding the company.

The AFP investigation coincides with WiseTech’s shares hitting a multi-year low and the ASX200’s overall slight decline, underscoring market unease.