Project Wickenby is an ongoing joint taskforce involving the AFP, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Crime Commission (ACC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. It aims to protect the integrity of Australian financial and regulatory systems by preventing people from promoting or participating in the abuse of tax or secrecy havens.
The AFP's role in Project Wickenby
The AFP has a responsibility to investigate matters that impact on the Commonwealth. Many of the offences targeted by the Wickenby taskforce relate to serious fraud, money laundering and defrauding the Commonwealth which are illegal under Australian law.
The AFP investigates matters referred to it by other partner agencies and is also involved in joint investigations. The AFP uses its expertise and experience to examine cases for potential criminal offences.
The AFP can also use its relationships with overseas law enforcement agencies through its International Network to identify transnational crime.
The AFP has 12 major investigations under Project Wickenby. As at 31 July 2010, the AFP has laid charges against 44 people as a result of these investigations.
AFP media releases
Other Project Wickenby agency websites: