Six men have been sentenced to a combined 43 years in prison for their roles in a $10 million tax fraud and money laundering operation uncovered through Operation Bordelon, a major investigation targeting organised crime in the construction industry.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) collaborated through the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) to dismantle the syndicate. The group used labour hire and payroll companies to siphon funds meant for taxes, funnelling the proceeds to offshore accounts and associates in Singapore.
The investigation began in December 2018, leading to the seizure of over $20 million in assets, including luxury properties and vehicles. The syndicate’s scheme, which deprived taxpayers of funds allocated for essential services, was described as one of the most complex tax evasion cases uncovered by the SFCT.
AFP Detective Superintendent Kristie-Lee Cressy highlighted the impact of such crimes: “This syndicate’s actions diverted millions away from potential investments in infrastructure and essential services for Australians.”
ATO Deputy Commissioner John Ford added, “This outcome sends a strong message to illegal phoenix operators: you will get caught, and we will hold you to account.”
The six men received sentences ranging from 18 months to over nine years, with non-parole periods of up to six years. The SFCT’s work continues to combat serious financial crimes, having secured 46 convictions and raised over $2.55 billion in tax liabilities since its establishment in 2015.
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