SYDNEY - Twelve people have been charged after an investigation into a A$10 ($12.9) million offshore tax evasion and money laundering scheme.
A total of 153 charges have been laid against a Sydney accountant, her husband and 10 of her clients, as part of the Australian Taxation Office's
Project Wickenby.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized documents after raiding business and residential premises in Sydney between May and December 2007.
The Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) executed search warrants on associated business premises in Port Vila on April 28, 2008.
The AFP allege a 62-year-old Warriewood woman "devised, promoted, facilitated and implemented tax evasion schemes on behalf of Australian-based clients".
Police allege the 12 people laundered about A$5.2 million.
The investigation is one of 10 being conducted by the AFP as part of Project Wickenby, targeting tax avoidance and evasion linked to tax havens.
The 62-year-old Warriewood woman has been charged with six counts of conspiring to defraud the commonwealth, 23 counts of conspiring to obtain a financial advantage by deception and five counts of conspiring to deal in money with intent that the money would become an instrument of crime.
She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.
The other 11 people have been charged with money laundering, obtaining a financial advantage by deception and defrauding the commonwealth.
All 12 people are due to appear at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
A total of 33 people have now been charged as a result of Project Wickenby.
- AAP
