Banks and credit card companies have helped the Australian tax authorities to track down an additional 187 people suspected of hiding income...

Banks and credit card companies have helped the Australian tax authorities to track down an additional 187 people suspected of hiding income in offshore tax havens, according to reports in the Australian press. Ten of these face possible criminal charges. Over 500 potential offshore tax avoidance and fraud cases had already been identified earlier this year by the tax office and Australian Crime Commission as part of the Operation Wickenby investigation. Tax Commissioner Michael Carmody promised to crack down on corporate bosses and executives who were failing to declare taxable income ahead of the October 31 deadline for income tax returns. He also revealed that 200 "high profile" business people, public servants and entertainers were behind in their tax affairs. As part of a new enforcement strategy, the tax authorities are targeting individuals who head major public corporations, by using a company's own website to identify the chief executives and board members. Information on the website is then matched with tax office records. Sportspeople are also been targeted by the Australian tax authorities. Many habitually lodge late tax returns. Over 200 cricketers, basketball, netball and football players have attracted attention from the tax office this year. Court action has been threatened against those who fail to comply. The legal profession is another offender according to Mr Carmody. "We are currently taking prosecution action against 27 of the more egregious barristers," he told the Australian press.