Category: Tax Offences

By Sonia Hickey and Ugur Nedim A 12-year investigation has culminated in the sentencing of a businessman behind what has been described as Australia’s biggest tax fraud. The NSW Supreme Court has sentenced Gold Coast businessman Michael Issakidis to a full term of ten years in prison, with a minimum term of 7 and a ...

Being prosecuted for a criminal or traffic offence can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may be unfamiliar with the process, unsure of the best way forward and concerned about the outcome. But whether you are charged with a less-serious matter such as drug possession, drink driving or common assault, or accused of something as serious ...

Two weeks ago, boxes containing hundreds of copies of a book defaming the character of exiled Uyghur leader Rebiya Kadeer were mysteriously dropped off out the front of several Sydney mosques. The incident seems to be an attempt to discredit the renowned activist’s reputation amongst her local supporters – most Uyghurs being Muslims. A total ...

In case you missed it, a leak of data from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca has allegedly exposed wealthy individuals, including public officials, hiding their money in offshore companies to avoid tax. The ‘Panama papers’ contain information about more than 214,000 offshore ‘shell’ corporations set up in tax havens such as Panama, the British Virgin ...

73-year-old John Wilson does not look like your stereotypical terrorist. Hunched and with the remains of his white hair flying from the sides of his head, the former dentist is a regular fixture outside NSW courts. Spouting his hyperbole about being a Sovereign Citizen, he appears to be a harmless eccentric. But to NSW Counter Terrorism ...

A number of well-off Australians could face tax evasion penalties in the near future as the ATO has pledged to crack down on wealthy tax dodgers. The ATO is threatening heavy penalties to those who are found to owe substantial amounts in unpaid taxes, including imprisonment. With the ATO estimating that it is owed more ...

We have published a number of blogs about lawyers who have engaged in professional misconduct and unethical behaviour. In many cases, these lawyers were ‘struck off’ – meaning that that they lost their licence to practice law. In a profession that demands respect for the law, integrity is paramount, and accusations of dishonest conduct are ...

Tax evasion is a serious criminal offence and can come with harsh consequences. Tax evasion penalties can range from a good behaviour bond to long-term imprisonment, so it’s important to take any charges or allegations of tax evasion seriously. Always speak to a criminal defence lawyer who is experienced in taxation law and has a ...

With the fast pace of modern life, who has time for tax returns? Even Paul Keating claimed he was just too busy when he was caught out failing to fill in a tax return during his time as Federal Treasurer. But tax evasion is a serious Commonwealth offence and can result in harsh penalties. Just ...

There’s no doubt that public transport smartcards are convenient for commuters who take public transport regularly, saving them money and time queuing for tickets. But along with the convenience comes a hidden cost, with recent reports revealing that data from travel cards like the NSW Opal card is being used by police and other government ...