Arabic version: موظف في مكتب الضرائب الأسترالي بغولد كوست يواجه اتهامات بالفساد

According to ABC News, a 32-year-old Gold Coast man who worked for the Australian Taxation Office has been charged over allegations he disclosed information to organised crime syndicates.

The man was charged following a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the ATO. The investigation included a raid on a Surfers Paradise home. He faces two counts of unlawful disclosure of information by a Commonwealth officer.

Officials allege he disclosed information obtained in his role as a Commonwealth official. The alleged conduct is classified as corruption under the NACC Act and is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment. The AFP said he was a level 4 Australian Public Service employee and had been suspended from the ATO without pay.

Electronic devices seized during the home search allegedly contained child abuse material. The man was also charged with two counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, and 15 counts of using a carriage service for child abuse material. Both offences carry maximum penalties of 15 years’ jail.

ATO deputy commissioner Nicholas Shizas described the allegations as “despicable” and said the agency remained committed to identifying misconduct. AFP deputy commissioner of national security Hilda Sirec said organised crime groups had sought to corrupt people with access to sensitive law enforcement information. The man is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on September 21.