Raiders' Josh Papalii Intimidation Case Permanently Stayed Over Police Messaging App Misuse

Charges against Canberra Raiders player Josh Papalii were permanently stayed by Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker due to police misconduct involving the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss the case. Papalii faced allegations of intimidating police and refusing to leave a licensed venue after an incident at the Gungahlin Raiders Club in September 2024, which he pleaded not guilty to. The defense argued that the police's use of Signal, which automatically deletes messages, compromised the integrity of the prosecution and violated the duty to disclose evidence. Although prosecutors claimed the deleted messages did not cause material unfairness to the defense, the magistrate found the use of Signal raised serious concerns about the administration of justice. The case was therefore halted indefinitely as proceeding would be an irremediable affront to the integrity of the prosecution. This decision highlights the legal risks of police using encrypted messaging platforms in investigations where evidence preservation is critical.