In a case that has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has launched an investigation into the financial affairs of Jae Jang, leading to devastating consequences for those involved. The probe, which began as a routine tax review, spiraled into a criminal investigation affecting multiple families, including the Ingletons and Jang’s sister, Deannah.
Debbie Ingleton and her husband, Bill, found themselves at the center of this storm when their home was raided by the ATO. According to Debbie, the tax office’s scrutiny was relentless, with the couple receiving up to 12 calls a day. “They went through everything,” Debbie told A Current Affair. “They kept asking my husband, Bill, where the money was, and he said, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s no money here. We rent, we struggle.’”
The Human Toll of Tax Investigations
The impact of the ATO’s investigation on the Ingleton family was profound. Debbie, who was already battling cancer and severe mental health issues, found her condition worsening under the pressure. A letter from her psychologist described her as suffering from “severe depression with suicidal tendencies,” exacerbated by the ATO’s actions. Despite this, the calls and inquiries persisted, leading to a nervous breakdown and hospitalization for Debbie.
Meanwhile, Jae Jang’s sister, Deannah, an academic at Bond University, became entangled in the investigation as she attempted to support her brother’s business. The ATO’s decision to apply a higher spirit excise to Jang’s products in Australia before a Federal Court ruling led to financial strain. Deannah found herself targeted by the ATO, with a new tax assessment and wage garnishment imposed.
“It totally destroyed her mentally. After all, she’s not a businesswoman. She’s an academic assisting the family to ensure we survive through our business,” Jang said.
Tragic Outcomes and Legal Battles
The stress of the investigation proved too much for Deannah, who took her own life on November 1, 2017. Jae Jang holds the ATO accountable for her death. Just six weeks later, Jang was arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud the tax office, facing a potential 10-year prison sentence. However, after 2½ years, the charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Debbie and Bill Ingleton were also charged, with Bill being cleared alongside Jang. Debbie’s ordeal continued for another 13 months before she was finally exonerated. “Bill had said to me to stay home and just let the lawyer handle it. And I said no, I have to hear it for myself. I have to hear the judge say, ‘you’re dismissed of all charges,’” Debbie recounted. “It was just, in my opinion, a big fishing expedition.”
Ongoing Impact and ATO’s Response
The aftermath of the investigation left scars on the Ingleton family. Two months after the charges were dropped, Bill was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Debbie believes the stress from the ATO’s actions contributed to his illness. “I blame the ATO for killing my husband – well, contributing to it,” she stated.
In response to the controversy, an ATO spokesperson mentioned that the organization “always welcomes scrutiny against its administration of the tax system” but declined to answer most of the 33 questions posed, citing confidentiality obligations. However, the ATO has announced an independent review to thoroughly examine the issues raised, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
“We recognise the unfortunate circumstances and appreciate the seriousness of the issues that have been raised,” the spokesperson said.
The review aims to address the challenges faced by individuals like the Ingletons and Jang, and to ensure such situations are handled with greater sensitivity in the future. As the investigation continues, the affected families seek closure and accountability from the ATO.
