The NSW Crime Commission has decided against pursuing a proceeds-of-crime action to recover $30 million from Eddie Obeid, a convicted corruption figure. The decision is based on the lack of sufficient documentation and the high risk of incurring court costs if the case fails.
The commission prioritized using resources effectively. They believe that pursuing this potentially unsuccessful case would divert resources from other investigations that have a higher chance of success.
The commission acknowledges that if they had been involved from the outset, similar to their collaboration with ICAC last year where assets were successfully seized, the outcome could have been different.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) continues pursuing tax evasion charges against Obeid family members (excluding Eddie and Moses) related to the $30 million, totaling nearly $9 million in taxes and penalties.
Eddie Obeid's release from prison is scheduled for August, following a sentence for misconduct in public office. Further trials concerning allegations of manipulating a cabinet submission for personal gain are slated for next year.