Search warrants executed across Melbourne in connection with alleged $38 million tax evasion

LawFuel - The Law Jobs and Legal NewsWire

11 June 2009
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) yesterday executed search warrants across
Melbourne in connection with an alleged $38 million tax evasion syndicate.
Search warrants were executed on eight premises and four vehicles with the
assistance of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The operation is investigating an alleged syndicate, suspected of being involved
in large scale tax fraud through Melbourne-based businesses.

The operation yesterday involved more than 60 members of the AFP and over
20 ATO officers.

The AFP investigation has also included valuable assistance from the Australian
Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).

AFP National Manager Economic and Special Operations Mandy Newton said the
warrants executed yesterday showed Australian authorities are serious about
tackling organised financial crime.

"We will continue to work closely with the ATO and other partner
agencies to prosecute those people responsible for major tax evasion,"
Assistant Commissioner Mandy Newton said.

“The syndicate under investigation has allegedly concealed its income through
the falsification of business records, in order to move an estimated $38 million
through the companies and avoid tax.”

The seized material is currently being analysed as investigations continue.
The maximum penalty for obtaining a financial advantage by deception is 10
years imprisonment, under the Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for conspiring to defraud the Commonwealth is 10 years
imprisonment, under the Criminal Code Act 1995
Media enquiries
AFP National Media Team
Phone: (02) 6275 7100

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