ATO deputy commissioner’s son arrested over alleged $165m fraud in AFP raids

The son of deputy tax commissioner Michael Cranston has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a $165-million fraud syndicate.

Key points:

• Authorities conducted 27 raids across Sydney yesterday as part of the tax-fraud sting
• Adam Cranston was arrested at his Bondi flat and charged with conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth
• His father, Michael, is a senior employee with the ATO

The Australian Federal Police said Adam Cranston was among nine people arrested for alleged involvement in the large-scale fraud.

Adam Cranston was arrested at his flat in the affluent beach suburb of Bondi during raids yesterday and has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth.

The 30-year-old is believed to be one of the main conspirators in the group and is understood to run a financial services company.

He will face Central Local Court in Sydney later today.

There were almost 30 raids across the city yesterday.

The ABC understands Michael Cranston has been employed by the ATO for more than three decades and is involved in the organisation’s private groups and high wealth segment.

There is no suggestion Michael Cranston was involved in, or had any knowledge of, the alleged crimes.

Part of his biography on his LinkedIn account reads: “My personal philosophy is that the tax system belongs to all Australians and we all need to work closely together to ensure that it is administered fairly, efficiently and causes the least pain for all that participate.”

An ATO spokesperson said: “Due to privacy considerations the ATO is unable to comment on individual employees.”

It is understood the amount of money allegedly stolen is the sum of many small frauds.

Source: ATO deputy commissioner’s son arrested over alleged $165m fraud in AFP raids – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)