World | Australia
Crocodile hunter zoo in tax probe
Australian tax officials are probing an offshore scheme of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin and his wife Terri.
Canberra: Australian tax officials are probing an offshore scheme of the late “Crocodile Hunter'' Steve Irwin and his wife Terri.
The investigation involves their Australia Zoo wildlife business, where the khaki-clad Irwin got up close with crocodiles and other wildlife at the 5,000-seat "Crocoseum".
According to an Australian newspaper, the scheme allowed the zoo to claim large tax breaks by paying more than A$600,000 a year (Dh 2 million) in fees to a Singapore-based company.
A zoo official said there had been no wrong-doing and the zoo had fallen victim to a "highly sophisticated case of deception".
The zoo is currently being sued by a collection company over unpaid debts after the Irwins signed off on the tax scheme in 2005, before the star's death.
News Editor's choice
-
Kuwait condemns Houla massacre
Arab League urged to put end to oppression of Syrian people
-
Road crashes main cause of child death in UAE
Death rate among children in car accidents in the UAE is three times higher than global average
-
Last minute ID rush is on
Expatriates in Dubai have thronged typing centres and Emirates ID registration offices to meet the May 31 registration deadline

