Auckland couple used children as puppet directors and shareholders in $431k tax evasion scheme

An Auckland couple, Tamanini Muaiava and Uputaua Muaiava, have been sentenced for “evading or attempting to evade the assessment or payment of goods and services tax, and PAYE.” NZ Herald reports Tamanini was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment and Muaiava was sentenced to 9 months home detention. The couple used their children as puppet directors and shareholders in their labour supply business for agricultural growers in South Auckland. The total tax evaded by them was about $431,644.66.