A global joint operational group has recently been formed to combat transnational tax crime. The Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5) is comprised of tax enforcement authorities from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. These authorities will work together to gather information, share intelligence, conduct operations and build the capacity of tax crime enforcement officials.

Who are the members of the J5?

The J5 comprises the:

  • Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Fiscale Inlichtingen- en Opsporingsdienst (FIOD)
  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and
  • Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)

Why was the J5 formed?

This group formed in response to a call to action from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for countries to do more to tackle the enablers of tax crime. Successes, new approaches and findings from these joint efforts will be shared with the greater tax enforcement community.

What exactly will the J5 do?

The J5 will:

  • Work together to investigate those who enable transnational tax crime and money laundering and those who benefit from it
  • Collaborate internationally to reduce the growing threat to tax administrations posed by cryptocurrencies and cybercrime and to make the most of data and technology
  • Develop shared strategies to gather information and intelligence
  • Drive strategies and procedures to conduct joint investigations

Updates on J5 initiatives are expected in late 2018

Why is Australia participating in the J5?

At their first meeting in June 2018, the J5 brought together leading experts in tax and other financial crimes from each of the five member countries.

Will Day, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office, said:

“Recognising that tax crime crosses international borders, by participating in the J5, the ATO and ACIC can work with like-minded international tax administrations and law enforcement agency partners to build on our domestic activity and develop strategies to disrupt crime and better position Australia against emerging threats.”

Col Blanch, Executive Director Intelligence Operations, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission said:

“Financial crime occurs on a global scale with proceeds of crime transferred between jurisdictions. This is why we are committed to working with our domestic and international partners to proactively target offshore service providers and cybercriminals who specialise in targeting the financial sector.”