ATO employee charged over alleged disclosure of information to organised crime groups - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Federal police have charged a Gold Coast man over alleged serious corrupt conduct while employed in the public service.

The 32-year-old was charged with two counts of unlawful disclosure of information by a Commonwealth officer.

Suspended from the ATO without pay, the man is due to face court on the Gold Coast later this month.

A Gold Coast man who worked with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been charged over the alleged disclosure of information to organised crime syndicates.

The 32-year-old was charged last night as part of a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the ATO that included a raid on a home in Surfers Paradise.

Officials allege the man disclosed information obtained in his capacity as a Commonwealth official to organised crime syndicates, conduct that is classified as corruption in the NACC act and is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment.

ATO deputy commissioner Nicholas Shizas labelled the allegations as "despicable".

"It is a disservice to the over 20,000 dedicated and honest ATO employees, who carry out their duties with professionalism and integrity," he said in a statement.

"Australians can be assured that the ATO remains unwavering in its commitment to identifying misconduct and ensuring there are serious consequences for those who betray the trust of the community."

The AFP said the man was a level 4 employee of the Australian Public Service who had been suspended without pay.

"We have long been aware of members and associates of organised crime groups trying to corrupt people with access to sensitive law enforcement information, so it's concerning when we identify alleged instances of this classified information being made available to them,'' AFP deputy commissioner of national security Hilda Sirec said.

"The AFP … will work to ensure organised crime groups are not in a position to undermine the safety of our community by having channels to access information that helps them avoid law enforcement attention."

Electronic devices seized at the Surfers Paradise home yesterday also uncovered alleged child abuse material, with the 32-year-old also charged with two counts of possess or control child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, and 15 counts of use carriage service for child abuse material.

Both offences carry a maximum penalty of 15 years' jail.

"The discovery of child abuse material during a corruption investigation demonstrates why investigators carefully examine all evidence, and we are unapologetic in our methods or approach," Deputy Commissioner Seric said.

The man is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on September 21.