It’s the scandal that rocked and shamed Hollywood – Harvey Weinstein’s decades of abuse of almost one hundred women has now been laid bare. But what is not so well known is the tactics he used to cover up his crimes.

In a special 60 Minutes investigation to be broadcast this Sunday, reporter Liam Bartlett explains how Weinstein silenced anyone who attempted to expose his wrongdoing.

And it seems Weinstein’s arrogance knew no limits. In a breathtaking misuse of his power and influence, he used an “army of spies” to dig up dirt on his victims.

As well as lawyers and expensive public relations experts, they included former Australian journalist Dylan Howard.

Former Channel Seven reporter Dylan Howard, 36, outside his New York office. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

Howard, 36, grew up in Geelong before his career as a sports reporter for Channel Seven came to an end in 2008 following a police investigation into stolen AFL medical files. No one at Channel Seven was charged over the incident.

Dylan Howard went on to find work at American Media Inc. (AMI), a publisher of tabloid titles including the National Enquirer, Us Weekly and OK.

It was at AMI that Howard sought out and supplied Weinstein with embarrassing and private information about one of his accusers, at Weinstein’s request. Howard said he saw nothing wrong with this, as Weinstein had denied the accusations, and denied it was a conflict of interest because he had not published the information.

After repeated requests for an interview were denied, Liam Bartlett travelled to New York to confront Howard on the way to his office.

He questioned the AMI executive about his role in the Weinstein affair.

Then-Channel Seven reporter Dylan Howard after being questioned by police in 2007. (Channel Seven) (Channel Seven)

This week, Dylan Howard and AMI got their lawyers to try to seek an injunction and stop the broadcast of the 60 Minutes story.

However, on Tuesday they dropped the case.

Liam Bartlett travelled to New York to confront Howard about his role in the Weinstein affair. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

“It is interesting that to try stop our story going to air, AMI and Mr Howard resorted to the kinds of bully-boy tactics similar to those Harvey Weinstein might have used to keep his victims quiet,” a bemused Liam Bartlett said.