Mining magnate Dr Bob Johnson returns to court, hears $38.5m tax allegations span 40,000 pages of prosecution documents

Prosecutors say a top mining industry figure failed to pay $38.5m in tax over 15 years – and that they have 40,000 pages of documents to prove it.

The prosecution case against a mining magnate accused of failing to pay $38.5m in taxes weighs in at 40,000 pages, a court has heard.

On Thursday, Commonwealth prosecutors warned the Adelaide Magistrates Court that the case against Keith Robert “Bob” Johnson was a “complex” matter.

Amelia McCormick, prosecuting, said it was unlikely the case would match up with the court’s usual timeline for the progression of matters, owing to its size.

“This is quite a large matter, there are 40,000 pages (in the prosecution brief) … we intend to file an electronic brief (with the court),” Ms McCormick said.

“We’ve noted the complexity of the brief … defence counsel will need some time to come to grips with this matter.”

Keith Robert Johnson outside court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz.

Dr Johnson, 74, has yet to plead to two counts of defrauding the Commonwealth and 13 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

Australian Federal Police allege he failed to disclose overseas trust assets in his tax returns and therefore evaded paying taxes between 1999 and 2013.

The charges followed a complex joint investigation, which started in 2014, between AFP and law enforcement agencies around the world.

If convicted, Dr Johnson – founder of the Maptek company – faces a maximum 10-year prison term.

His substantial assets – tens of millions of dollars’ worth of property, companies, bank accounts and shares – have been frozen by court order since the investigation began.

On Thursday, Kris Handshin QC, for Dr Johnson, agreed that more than the usual amount of time would be required to prepare his client’s defence.

“I anticipate that, on the next occasion, we will be asking for substantially more time,” Mr Handshin said.

Magistrate Brett Dixon remanded Dr Johnson on continuing bail to face court again in November, when prosecutors will file their brief of evidence.

He ordered Dr Johnson enter his pleas to the charges in February next year.