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Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo ordered to declare worldwide assets by Australian court

  • Huang, a property developer who was exiled from Australia in December, is accused of ‘grossly understating’ his income over three years
  • In response, he’s accused the tax office of being a ‘despicable tool for political persecution’ and part of a conspiracy of ‘unknown dark forces’

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Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo pictured outside the Sydney Opera House. Photo: Twitter
The Guardian

Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo has been ordered to declare all of his assets – everywhere in the world – to the federal court as the Australian tax office continues to pursue him over an alleged A$140m (US$96 million) tax bill.

In court on Thursday, Justice Jayne Jagot ordered Huang – exiled from Australia after his permanent residency was torn up by the government last year – to disclose all of his assets, both in Australia and worldwide, by November 11.

The tax office alleges Huang, a property developer, sought to avoid tax by “grossly understating” his income for three years, and now owes A$140m in unpaid taxes, interest and penalties.

Huang is contesting the case, and had resisted declaring his worldwide assets, with his lawyers arguing in court the Chinese national had “not insubstantial” commercial arrangements around the world – including continuing development projects in Australia – that could be affected by him being forced to disclose all of his financial arrangements.

A view across the harbour looking towards Sydney’s central business district. Photo: Bloomberg
A view across the harbour looking towards Sydney’s central business district. Photo: Bloomberg
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