Adelaide Magistrates Court charged a 74-year-old man with tax fraud on Friday, alleging that he defrauded the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) of more than $38.5 million over a period of 15 years.
In a joint statement released by the ATO, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Adelaide-based man was said to have failed to disclose overseas trust assets in his income tax returns between 1999 and 2013, evading paying Australian income tax during those years.
The man has been identified as Bob Johnson, a mining executive and the founder of software and equipment company Maptek.
The AFP said it had obtained an order to freeze a significant amount of his assets while the case is proceeding.
He is charged with two counts of defrauding the Commonwealth and 13 charges of deceptively obtaining financial advantage.
Each charge is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
The AFP, ATO and ACIC worked in co-operation on the investigation as part of the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT).
Raegan Stewart, AFP Southern Command acting commander for investigations, said the inquiry involved not only Australian agencies, but overseas law enforcement bodies as well, including the Bailiwick of Jersey, the US, the US and the British Virgin Islands.
“The laying of charges against the alleged offender as well as the obtaining of restraining orders in this investigation serves as a clear warning that the Australian Federal Police will take action in relation to allegations of serious financial crime,” Mr Stewart said.
“We are committed to continuing to work together, alongside our international law enforcement agency partners in investigations into this kind of offending, seek to remove the benefits derived from crime, identify those responsible and put them before the court.”
SFCT chief and ATO deputy commissioner Will Day used the opportunity to remind the public that tax evasion should not be considered a victimless crime.
“Behind every serious financial crime are people who deceive, cheat and steal from everyday Australians,” Mr Day said.
“Each one of us is a victim, because it takes millions of dollars away that could be invested into essential services such as education and health. That’s why it’s vital we continue to work together to stop serious financial crime and the devastating impacts it has on the community.”
