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Email reveals payments, 60 Minutes crew to be present at 'critical moments' of botched Beirut child snatching

Producers at 60 Minutes demanded veteran reporter Tara Brown be present in "critical moments" of the bungled child snatching in Lebanon, an email obtained by News Corp reveals.

The email shows the correspondence between a Channel Nine employee and Child Abduction Recovery International founder Adam Whittington.

"Our stories are based on our reporter being involved at critical moments and that's how I've been able to get approval here for this story," the email states.

The email invoice to Channel Nine Source from Child Abduction Recovery International: Supplied
The email invoice to Channel Nine Source from Child Abduction Recovery International: Supplied
An email from a Channel Nine staff member detailing demands to give the 60 Minutes crew access at 'critical moments' of the child abduction operation. Source: Supplied
An email from a Channel Nine staff member detailing demands to give the 60 Minutes crew access at 'critical moments' of the child abduction operation. Source: Supplied


"The reporter on the story will be Tara Brown, one of our most experienced journalists."

Mr Whittington remains in a Lebanese jail and is accusing Channel Nine and the Australian government of abandoning him since the 60 Minutes crew and mother Sally Faulkner were freed earlier this month.

Authorities found Ms Faulkner and the children shortly after, arresting the Brisbane mum and returning the children to their father. Photo: Facebook
Authorities found Ms Faulkner and the children shortly after, arresting the Brisbane mum and returning the children to their father. Photo: Facebook
Noah and Lahela al-Amin with their father Ali Elamine, Photo: Reuters
Noah and Lahela al-Amin with their father Ali Elamine, Photo: Reuters

Potions of the email have been redacted but it covers the demands made by the network, revealing the depth of involvement the current affairs show had in the botched operation in Beirut – including the allocation of invoiced payments.

"Finally, can you please send me an invoice for the final payment of AUD 46,000, as our accounts department needs an invoice to process payments," it reads.

The email also states the 60 Minutes crew should be present on a getaway boat during the abduction operation that took place in early April.

"I understand nothing is guaranteed in this business — things can go wrong and plans sometimes have to be changed.
"But I hope the intention is still for all four of our crew to be on the boat," it states.