Fraud case against millionaire businessman Keith Robert Johnson 40,000 pages long, court hears

A millionaire mining tech exec who allegedly defrauded the ATO of more than $38.5m has a 40,000 page case against him, a court has heard.

The case against a mining tech tycoon accused of defrauding the Australian Taxation Office of more than $38.5m is tens of thousands of pages long, a court has heard.

Keith Robert Johnson, 74, was charged with two counts of defrauding the Commonwealth and 13 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception following an Australian Federal Police-led investigation.

It is alleged the Maptek founder avoided paying income tax for 15 years by failing to disclose overseas trust assets in his income tax returns between 1999 and 2013.

Each offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

Millionaire businessman Keith Robert Johnson, 74, appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on alleged $38m tax fraud charges. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

Appearing in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, the court heard the prosecution was preparing a committal briefing that was 40,000 pages long.

Because of its size, prosecutor Amelia McCormick asked for at least eight weeks to serve the documents to the defence, claiming it was “a complex matter”.

“This is quite a large matter,” she said.

“We intend to serve it electronically.

“There have been some discussions with my friend (defence counsel) as to how long they will need to have a look at that brief.”

Kris Handshin, for the defence, said he anticipated to ask the court for “substantially more time” after the next hearing to read the briefing.

Magistrate Brett Dixon agreed to give the lawyer additional time and set two future court hearings: one in November for the committal briefing to be served and another in February.

The defendant is yet to enter his pleas but is expected do so at his appearance early next year.

The court on Thursday heard the case against Dr Johnson was 40,000 pages long. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

Dr Johnson founded Maptek in 1981. The company provides 3D modelling, spatial analysis and design technology to the mining industry.

When the charges were laid against the accused in June, the AFP confirmed they followed a complex investigation involving joint-agency co-operation and engagement with overseas law enforcement bodies from the Bailiwick of Jersey, the US, the UK and the British Virgin Islands.