The Briefing Part 2: The ATM glitch that turned an Aussie barman into a millionaire
Dec 27, 2025
Dan Saunders, the former Melbourne barman at the heart of the ATM glitch saga, shares his wild spending spree after discovering a loophole that allowed him to withdraw nearly $1 million per transaction. Joined by Richard, a close friend, they recount the initial thrill of luxury dinners and lavish experiences, as well as the growing dread and moral dilemmas that followed. As guilt sets in, Dan attempts to confess to the bank, only to face increasing fallout and eventual arrest. Their story reveals a dramatic twist on sudden wealth and its consequences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lavish Movie‑Style Spending Spree
- Daniel Saunders treated his sudden windfall like a movie, buying lavish trips, private islands and luxury experiences on a whim.
- Friends like Richard describe being plied with extravagant meals, flights and suites that felt intoxicating and surreal.
One Transaction, Million‑Dollar Mindset
- Saunders realised the system allowed transfers just under $1 million and that changed his thinking from experimenter to opportunistic criminal.
- That discovery opened a new
Turning Himself In With A Laundry Bag
- After stopping the transfers Saunders kept about $80,000 cash in a hotel laundry bag and tried to hand it back to NAB.
- Bank security put him through to police and took no immediate offer of the money, so he left the cash in his hotel room.