ATO scam: ‘Mastermind’ Simon Anquetil amassed a $7.8 million portfolio in just eight months

EXCLUSIVE: AN alleged mastermind in the nation’s biggest tax fraud case took just eight months to amass a fortune in trusts, property and shares.

• ATO BOSS CHARGED WITH ABUSING HIS POSITION
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AN alleged mastermind in the nation’s biggest tax fraud conspiracy case took just eight months to amass $7.8 million in trusts, property and shares.

When the Australian Taxation Office summoned Simon Anquetil to attend a compulsory “please explain” examination, his lawyers allegedly advised him to lie about the source of his riches and blame a dead man.

Alleged ATO fraudster Simon Anquetil leaving Surry Hills police station after posting bail. Picture: Bob Barker.

Anquetil was allegedly advised by his lawyers to lie about how he amassed his fortune. Picture: AAP

Anquetil is accused with Adam Cranston, son of former deputy tax commissioner Michael Cranston, of being a kingpin in an elaborate tax scam that fleeced $165 million through sham companies and stooge directors.

Police allege Anquetil was paid $2.307 million to his personal bank account from the account of a legitimate company at the centre of the scam, Plutus, in the six months to December last year.

In addition it is alleged Anquetil received $1.433 million from the bank accounts of various sham companies to his personal company, SPA Ventures Pty Ltd, in the same period.

Adam Cranston, son of ATO deputy commissioner Michael Cranston, is an alleged co-mastermind of the tax scam. Picture: Toby Zerna

ATO deputy commissioner Michael Cranston has been charged with abusing his position as a public official. Picture: AAP

On February 3, Anquetil called a meeting with lawyer and co-accused Dev Menon as well as Daniel Clarke, a partner at Clamenz Lawyers, to get advice on how to respond to an ATO notice for a compulsory examination.

Covert police tapes reveal the lawyers allegedly advised Anquetil to lie about where the money came from, encouraging him to tell the ATO some of the funds were derived from a loan from Peter Larcombe.

Larcombe was a former business partner of Adam Cranston who police alleged was involved in an earlier ATO fraud. Larcombe committed suicide last year in the US.

Nine people were arrested over a $165 million tax fraud investigation which also saw the seizure of property, cars and luxury items. Picture: Paul Miller

Clarke is not accused of being part of the conspiracy and has not been charged.

Michael Cranston has been stood aside as Deputy Commissioner at the ATO and has been issued with a court attendance notice to face a charge of abusing his position as a public official.

He is not accused of being involved in the conspiracy.

How the payroll scam was carried out.