July 24, 2026 – 11:21
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ABC has scrapped two episodes of its flagship investigative program. Four corners led by now-fired reporter Mahmood Fazal over concerns about accuracy.
The broadcaster released a statement Friday morning saying the 2024 program Met highway And Cocaine Nationbroadcast in 2023 was removed from all ABC platforms due to concerns about the credibility of sources raised by its lead reporter.
ABC investigative reporter Mahmood Fazal.Sydney Morning Herald
“The matter has been referred to the ABC Ombudsman for an independent review of whether the programs meet the appropriate editorial standards set out in the editorial policy,” the statement said.
“The ABC will consider whether any further action is required once the review is complete.”
The ABC sacked Fazal in May after investigating the former underworld figure’s appearance on an external podcast.
Fazal joined ABC Background information program in 2021 and was then hired to Four corners in 2023. As a former sergeant for the Mongols bikie gang, much of his work focused on the Australian underworld.
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During his time on the show, he produced several episodes of the long-running investigative program, but was axed at the end of 2025 after agreeing to launch a new podcast with Ryan Naumenko, a former underworld figure who calls himself a “media cowboy.”
Fazal initially sought approval for the podcast by filling out an external work request form. However, it did not receive final approval from ABC executives. The podcast continued and was later published online with an advertisement for a crypto casino attached.
The reporter also allegedly received payment for appearing on the podcast, but he denies this. Disagreements between Fazal and Naumenko led to the podcast ending after just two episodes, and the pair making public accusations against each other.
Following Fazal’s departure from the show, ABC appointed a new executive producer. Four corners Joel Tozer.
Last month this masthead reported that one of Tozer’s first acts as Four corners The boss had to review the show’s commissioning processes and standards.
Part of the overhaul included the newly created position of Commissioning and Standards Editor, appointing former 7.30 producer Patricia Drum said Friday morning.
Fazal has been approached for comment.
More to come.
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Calum Jaspan is a columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers, both based in Melbourne. Contact him securely on Signal @calumjaspan.10.Connect via X or e-mail.