Philip Eric de Figueiredo leaves the Royal Court after yesterday’s hearing Picture: JON GUEGAN (01017308)

A JERSEY accountant is a step closer to being extradited to Australia to face charges in connection with an alleged multi-million-pound tax fraud in that country.

The allegations follow Australia’s biggest investigation into tax fraud – Operation Wickenby – which is believed to have looked into the accounts of sports stars and famous actors who allegedly avoided paying tax through offshore schemes.

The Australian government wants to extradite Philip Eric de Figueiredo to face charges in connection with alleged fraud, conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.

Yesterday the Royal Court took less than an hour to dismiss part of the 58-year-old St Martin resident’s appeal against decisions made by Jersey’s Attorney General and Assistant Magistrate to extradite him.

However, the appeal continues as Royal Court Commissioner Sir Richard Tucker will listen to further legal argument before deciding on whether Mr de Figueiredo should be extradited to Australia.