Karl Stefanovic and Nine reportedly being sued by convicted con man

Convicted conman Peter Foster has reportedly launched a $4 million lawsuit against Today show host Karl Stefanovic and the Nine Network, accusing them of orchestrating a sensationalised arrest for television cameras.

Foster, a career fraudster with a long history of legal troubles, claims his dramatic takedown on a Port Douglas beach in August 2020 was staged in collaboration with police to create captivating footage for Nine’s 60 Minutes program. The arrest, which was captured by a Nine news crew and drone footage, followed a 60 Minutes investigation alleging Foster had tried to hire a hitman to eliminate international scam investigator Ken Gamble.

In the exclusive report titled "King Hit", Stefanovic confronted Foster at a Gold Coast café with secret recordings that appeared to capture Foster negotiating a $100,000 deal to make Gamble "completely disappear". Foster denied the accusations during the televised encounter.

Weeks later, Nine cameras rolled as undercover police officers tackled Foster on the beach, handcuffed him and extradited him to New South Wales. However, charges related to alleged fraud were dropped six months later due to insufficient evidence of offences committed within NSW.

The network followed up with a second explosive segment, "Despicable Him", chronicling Foster’s arrest and legal battles.

Foster, who successfully sued NSW Police for $140,000 over false arrest and wrongful imprisonment, has now escalated his fight to the NSW Supreme Court, targeting Stefanovic and Nine. While the Nine Network has told Daily Mail Australia it is unaware of the lawsuit, Foster insists the case focuses on his arrest and the role the network allegedly played in it.

“We're pursuing Channel Nine and Stefanovic – and it’s not just for your simple old defamation because, you know, my reputation isn't worth a hell of a lot,” Foster told Daily Mail Australia.

“What we're aiming for is (suing over) the arrest on the beach in Port Douglas.”

Foster claims the “made-for-TV” arrest left him with a significant knee injury and emotional distress, alleging Nine’s involvement inflamed the situation.

“Channel Nine put fuel on the fire. They were a willing participant. They didn't do the due diligence," he said. "The bottom line is, you know, I wrongly copped seven-and-a-half months of imprisonment."

Estimating his damages at over $4 million, Foster and his legal team are now actively trying to serve legal papers to Stefanovic, who has been absent from the Today show for the past two weeks. The network maintains Stefanovic is on scheduled leave and is expected to return on Monday.

Foster, however, speculates otherwise, cheekily suggesting on social media that Stefanovic's absence is tied to his legal pursuit.

"I'm currently trying to serve legal papers on Karl Stefanovic," Foster posted on Facebook alongside a satirical "Where's Wally?"-inspired image renamed "Where's Karl?".

“Karl – if you're reading this, you can run but you can't hide. Believe me... I should know.”

As the legal saga unfolds, Foster’s high-stakes battle against one of Australia's most recognisable TV faces and its media giant promises to keep making headlines.

Images: 60 Minutes / IFW Global