Worner denies Seven ever had deal with Schapelle as police launch internal probe over raids

The boss of Seven West Media has denied there has ever been a deal in place for an interview with convicted smuggler Schapelle Corby, as the Australian Federal Police have launched an investigation into a raid on the media company’s offices this week.

Tim Worner has described widespread reports there was a deal worth up to $3m between the family of Corby and Seven as “complete and utter baloney” and a “falsehood”.

The statement comes the day Seven West Media’s main newspaper, The West Australian, reported the AFP has launched an internal investigation into the raids on the Sydney offices and “counselled” a senior officer accused of botching a search warrant and naming one of Seven’s lawyers as having withheld evidence.

Seven has demanded the AFP hand over documents used to justify the raids by 4pm on Monday, or threatened legal action against them.

However, today the AFP told the West Australian they had enough evidence to continue investigations, which are being carried out under the Proceeds of Crime Act.