Woolworths and Westpac funds buy controversial $500 million crime business

Woolworths-backed venture capital fund W23 Global, Westpac’s Reinventure and a Nasdaq-listed arms company are the lead investors in a $72.6 million funding round for controversial software maker Auror, valuing the company at more than $500 million.

Auror’s software is used by more than half of Australian retailers to track and share details of criminals operating in stores such as Bunnings, Coles, Myer and Woolworths. Australia’s Information Commissioner announced an investigation into privacy concerns related to data sharing with police earlier this year, but ultimately decided not to pursue it.

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