Crikey! The Australia Zoo, which was founded in the 1970s by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s parents, has acknowledged that it was the victim “a highly sophisticated case of deception.” The zoo is currently being investigation as part of a massive tax-evasion scandal.
The zoo has been charged with $2.3 million in outstanding debts allegedly owed to overseas banks and companies in an effort to avoid tax. Irwin’s widow, Terri Irwin, has been named separately in suits alleging similar debts totaling $55,000. The investments in questions were made through a Singapore based company during Steve Irwin’s lifetime. However, neither the Crocodile Hunter nor his estate were named in court documents as a party to the investigation as his signature was not on any of the papers. It is thought that Steve Irwin left the financial details of the zoo up to his wife.
The tax investigation is tied to the Irwins relationship with former Australia tax commissioner Nick Petroulias, who has previously been charged with bribery and corruption.
When the allegations were first made public, Bob Irwin, who founded the zoo, resigned from his position at the zoo. There were also rumors that he was feuding with Terri Irwin about the transactions.
The allegations could result in significant financial loss to the zoo – not just in terms of back taxes and fines but in terms of the zoo’s reputation. The zoo has enjoyed a positive reputation over the years, buoyed by Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi, and her remarkable fan base (both of my daughters LOVE Bindi and want to meet her). It will be interesting to see whether the scandal will overshadow both Bindi’s popularity and the conservation work at the zoo.
Paul Hogan has made Australia a lot of money and now they want more ?that is a very greedy country. LEAVE PAUL ALONE