Australian tax office employee charged with disclosing data to criminal groups
In Australia, a 32-year-old employee of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been charged over the alleged unlawful disclosure of official information to organised criminal groups. The Gold Coast man was charged as part of a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the ATO, ABC News reports.
Charges over disclosure of information
According to law enforcement authorities, the man faces two counts of unlawful disclosure of information by a Commonwealth official. Investigators allege that he provided criminal syndicates with information obtained while working as a public servant.
Such actions are classified as corruption under legislation on the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison. According to the federal police, the man worked at the fourth level of the public service and was suspended from his position at the ATO without pay.
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Additional charges
During a search of a home in the Surfers Paradise area, investigators seized electronic devices. Law enforcement authorities said they found alleged child sexual abuse material on them.
The man was also charged with two counts of possessing or controlling such material obtained or accessible through telecommunications services, as well as 15 counts of using telecommunications services to access it. These offences carry a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison. He is due to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on September 21.
