Dr David Craig

You may recognise him as the Chief Hunter on Network 10’s ‘Hunted Australia’, but Dr. David Craig’s story had humble beginnings. From small-town farm boy to international undercover expert, to celebrated author and TV personality, his life is a fascinating journey of unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of justice.

David's unconventional path growing up led him from failing high school to the depths of a coal mine where he experienced workplace physical abuse. It was during this time that his leadership skills were activated where at just 18 years old, he lead a strike which resulted in the offender being removed from the site and ultimately being jailed. 

He then went on to the pinnacle of professional motorcycle racing, where he clinched numerous championships, claiming a world land speed record in the process.

However, it was his 22-year tenure with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that truly showcased his leadership abilities. Having uncovered a staggering $223 million worth of narcotics that had eluded the AFP's detection, David was exiled to the New South Wales Police Corruption Royal Commission. There, as a covert operative, he courageously exposed a corrupt cohort of more than 30 NSW police officers. Their ensuing prosecution for crimes ranging from heroin trafficking to armed robbery dominated national headlines.

Having achieved a Doctorate in Law focusing on covert operations, David’s research into the world's most advanced undercover programs became an international benchmark, and he became a founding architect of Australia's inaugural international undercover program. He trained with agencies including the FBI, AFP and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and served with the UN in East Timor and NATO in Afghanistan.

One of David’s most defining moments came as he led the international taskforce response to an anthrax attack on the Indonesian embassy. His adept handling of the situation, despite international political tensions, solidified his reputation as a calm and capable leader. Qualities instrumental to his success in leading the investigation into the 2005 Bali bombings, which resulted in a deadly confrontation with Southeast Asia’s most notorious terrorist mastermind.  

During his law enforcement career, David also provided personal protection (body guard) for Prime Ministers Hawke, Keating and Howard, and he has authored three bestselling books - ‘Unlocking Secrets’, detailing the art to detecting lies and uncovering hidden truths; ‘Lie Catcher’, which achieved international acclaim and global reproduction; and ‘Defeating Terror’, his gripping account of the Bali bombings investigation, which is set to be adapted into a major motion picture.

David is as an exceptional leader who thrives under intense pressure - and his captivating story, shared with remarkable insight and humour, is showing others how they can excel in high pressure situations too.