Project Wickenby

Criminal investigations

The Australian Crime Commission (ACC), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) are all undertaking criminal investigations as part of Project Wickenby.

Criminal investigations into illegal offshore schemes involving false deductions, and concealed income and gains, are often complex and can require a lot of time and resources. A single investigation may involve a number of promoters and many intermediaries and participants.

With extensive resources and sophisticated technology, including data tracking and matching, the task force is successfully bringing tax cheats to justice.

Table 2: Criminal investigations from Project Wickenby

Agency	Current investigations	Prosecutions	Finalised
The ACC has: issued 266 notices to obtain evidence issued 430 summonses completed 402 examinations executed 58 search warrants.	1	5	5
The AFP has: executed 325 search warrants issued 83 notices under proceeds of crime provisions.	6	6	3
ASIC has: issued 459 notices to obtain evidence completed 91 compulsory examinations executed 2 search warrants conducted 142 interviews.	2	0	5
ATO	0	0	2
Total	9	11	15

Sections within Tracking down tax cheats

• Civil audits and risk reviews
• Criminal investigations