ATO worker charged with corruption over organised crime leaks

A 32-year-old ATO employee was charged with sharing sensitive information to organised crime syndicates.

A 32-year-old ATO worker has been charged with sharing sensitive information to organised crime groups. Federal police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the ATO jointly investigated.

The raid was on a home in Surfers Paradise. The man was a level 4 public servant.

He was suspended without pay. Officials say he passed information from his work to crime groups.

This conduct is classified as corruption. It carries a maximum sentence of two years.

Electronic devices seized during the raid also revealed child abuse material. This led to additional charges.

ATO deputy commissioner Nicholas Shizas called the allegations despicable. He said it was a disservice to the agency's 20,000 honest staff.

Why it mattersPublic servants with access to sensitive tax data are targets for organised crime corruption. This gives criminal groups intelligence to evade law enforcement.

AustraliaThis undermines the ATO's integrity and shows organised crime groups are actively trying to corrupt federal employees who hold Australians' private tax information.

Corroborated bythenightly.com.au

✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago

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✓ The Sydney Morning HeraldPower & Policy

Tax office worker charged over leak to organised criminals

A 32-year-old ATO official faces serious accusations. He is accused of sharing sensitive information with organised crime associates. He is also accused of possessing child abuse material.

Why it mattersThe case reveals a serious weakness in how officials work. Organised crime targets public officials who access sensitive data. This threatens law enforcement operations. This also threatens public safety.