Top tax man quits

son, Adam Cranston, who allegedly masterminded the massive rip-off. The news came as Adam and his heavily pregnant sister Lauren yesterday faced the Supreme Court as they sought to halt the ATO freezing their assets.

They are among several people facing charges over the alleged Plutus Payroll tax scheme as part of a complex criminal syndicate.

Their brother Josh, who is not involved in the matter, labelled the assembled media “scum” as he left the court.

There is no suggestion Michael Cranston, who was last week described by his boss ATO Acting Commissioner Andrew Mills as having had an “illustrious” career, was suspected of being part of any tax fraud. He had been suspended from the ATO without pay but resigned on Wednesday and is due to face Downing Centre Local Court on June 13.

Yesterday Adam Cranston, 30, and younger sister Lauren, 24, appeared in court, with a lawyer for the eight months’ pregnant woman saying she doesn’t have a “cent to rub together”.

“This young woman has no money,” defence lawyer Greg Walsh said. “She’s in an ever difficult and vulnerable position.”

The alleged syndicate members will begin having their criminal charges heard next week but the AFP is also running a civil case, freezing assets of dozens of individuals and companies.