The real life Crocodile Dundee writer/actor Paul Hogan is almost as famous in tax circles as Willie Nelson. Hogan had been feuding with Aussie tax authorities over more than $150 million in taxes and penalties dating back to the Crocodile Dundee days of the 1980s.
Although Hogan lives in the U.S., his residence was questioned. In 2010, Hogan learned Aussie tax collectors had teeth after leaving his Los Angeles home to attend his mother’s funeral in Australia. When tax authorities found him they wouldn’t let him leave!
After years of legal battles, Hogan finally settled with the Tax Office on confidential terms.
Now the Crocodile Dundee star is accusing his tax attorney of stealing $34 million that he helped Hogan hide in a Swiss bank account.
Throughout last year, Hogan and his U.S. advisers became increasingly anxious after his tax attorney (a British-born Swiss resident) refused to provide any bank statements or accounts relating to the millions in the account.
The account was set up for Hogan to stream revenue from his Crocodile Dundee franchise into offshore accounts and thereby avoid paying tax. Hogan disputes this.
Hogan tried to sue for the money in a California court, but because his tax advisor (and his imprisoned partner) were not U.S. citizens, the judge said, "Given the dearth of connections … to California, the 'long arm of the law' is simply too short to reach them."
Paul Hogan (now 73) left his wife in the late 1980s to eventually marry his Crocodile Dundee co-star Linda Kozlowski. They've been married for 23 years as of January 2013.
Paul Hogan and his wife are now selling their stunning Malibu beach-front mansion for $5.25 million.
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