Federal police in Sydney have conducted raids at the Seven Network’s office in Pyrmont and the headquarters of New Idea magazine in Eveleigh.

More than 20 federal police officers entered the offices at 8.55am on Tuesday as part of an investigation into proceeds of crime derived by Schapelle Corby.

“The federal police … barged in wanting to look at the payment registers, which is completely outrageous,’’ the Seven West commercial director, Bruce McWilliam, told The Australian newspaper.



“It’s a big attack on the press. It’s terrible what’s happening.

“It’s a gross overreaction. The government has called to say they did not know this was happening.”

Seven’s Sunday Night program is believed to have secured an interview with the high-profile Australian former prisoner, who was released from Bali’s Kerobokan prison last week after serving nine years for smuggling marijuana.

Seven West’s New Idea magazine is also thought to be involved in the deal. McWilliam said the office of New Idea editor, Kim Wilson, was searched by police.



The fee for the Corby interview has been reported to be as high as $3m, but this figure has been disputed by the Corby family and Seven West.



“[The fee] probably falls far short of what someone in the federal police imagines it should say. It’s a very small figure,” McWilliam said.



He also revealed that the network had been served with a proceeds of crime production order relating to the deal which, he said, had been fully co-operated with.



“Full compliance has occurred. Documents were handed over immediately,’’ McWilliam said.



“You’ve got some heavy-handed goon who thinks they can just come storming in and terrorise people who are trying to carry on their duties.

“We’ve given them everything we have. We don’t think it was what they were expecting to see, so they think we’re not co-operating with the order.”

He suggested that police might remain at Seven West’s office for up to 24 hours.

Federal police confirmed the raid. “The AFP can confirm it has executed a number of search warrants in Sydney in relation to an ongoing Proceeds of Crime Act matter,” a spokesman said.



“As this matter is ongoing, it is not appropriate for the AFP to comment any further.”



Since 2003 federal authorities have had the power to confiscate literary funds derived from criminal activities.



Queensland’s attorney general, Jarrod Bleijie, conceded on Friday that the Queensland state government would be powerless to confiscate any money Corby earned from selling her story.



“Following legal advice, the state is not in a position to pursue the matter further but we would provide any support to the federal government if it was able and chose to do so,” Bleijie said.



Indonesian authorities have warned Corby it would be “stupid” to speak to the media, suggesting any interviews could see her parole revoked.

