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2 March 2011
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Media release 2011/16
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Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo today announced Project Wickenby has reached a new milestone in its fight against tax crime, with one billion dollars in tax liabilities raised since 2006.
The story is one of many in the fourth edition of the Targeting Tax Crime e-magazine launched today. The magazine is available from www.ato.gov.au and contains articles, interviews and commentary on various tax crime topics.
"At 31 January 2011, the total tax liabilities raised for the Australian community was more than $1 billion," Mr D'Ascenzo said.
"To date, $240 million in cash has been collected by the ATO - a sum that will continue to rise as liabilities are finalised.
"In addition, Wickenby has changed people's behaviour. More than $306 million in tax has been collected due to improved compliance by people who have been subject to Wickenby action.
"We've shown that criminal tax evasion does not pay, with 16 people convicted with jail time under Project Wickenby so far."
Wickenby statistics:
- 62 people charged with serious offences
- 16 people convicted
- 1,823 audits and reviews completed
- 443 audits in progress
- 24 criminal investigations underway.
"Our work as part of the Project Wickenby investigations has highlighted the seriousness with which the ATO, our partner agencies and the courts treat the occurrence of tax crime," said Mr D'Ascenzo.
"When it comes to fighting tax crime, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. It is in everyone's interests that we deter people from engaging in crimes against the community.
"Project Wickenby is sending a clear signal to those tempted to cheat. When tax crimes have been committed we will seek to bring those offenders to book."
Last Modified: Wednesday, 2 March 2011