Gold Coast, Australia | September 11, 2026: An employee of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has been charged after authorities alleged that he improperly disclosed information obtained through his government work to people associated with organised crime.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said a 32-year-old Gold Coast man was charged overnight with two counts of unlawfully disclosing information by a Commonwealth officer. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.

Alleged Disclosure of Confidential Information

According to investigators, the employee allegedly used information accessed through his official position and disclosed it to associates connected with organised crime.

The allegations are particularly serious because government employees can have access to sensitive information that could potentially be exploited by criminal networks.

The AFP has not publicly detailed all of the information allegedly disclosed or identified the organised-crime associates involved.

Additional Charges

Following the execution of a search warrant, authorities also charged the man with two counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material and 15 counts of using a carriage service for child abuse material.

The latter offences carry a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, according to the AFP.

Investigation Continues

The suspect is due to appear before a court later this month. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence gathered during the investigation, including material obtained during the search.

Authorities have stressed the seriousness of alleged corruption involving public officials because unauthorised disclosure of government information can potentially compromise investigations and assist criminal networks.

The case remains before the courts, and the allegations against the accused have not been proven.