Norman Asch, the new owner of John Webb’s former company, Webfirm, is no stranger to controversy.
Norman Asch, the new owner of John Webb’s former company, Webfirm, is no stranger to controversy.
Mr Asch migrated from South Africa in 2003 after spending more than two years fighting charges that he was responsible for the evasion of R29 million ($A7 million) in tax by his former business, Accord Technologies.
Mr Asch was a director of Accord Technologies but told WA Business News this week he was acquitted of the tax evasion charge.
“The company was charged with tax avoidance [by the South Africa Revenue Service] and I was a minority shareholder and director and was held responsible,” Mr Asch said.
“I was the one who took the fall but I was acquitted.”
The South Africa Revenue Service charge followed charges brought by Accord against Mr Asch in 2000.
“They dropped the charges and then the tax office [SARS] decided to pursue it and it all eventually ended in acquittal,” Mr Asch said.
Mr Asch is currently trying to grow and expand Webfirm’s business operations, which he believes have enormous potential nationally.
Mr Asch bought the business from John Webb in March this year.
Mr Asch has previously told WA Business News he considered taking legal action against Mr Webb regarding disclosure issues relating to the business transaction.
But what concerns Mr Asch now is growing Webfirm’s operation nationally.
He is currently raising capital to facilitate growth and the launch of new products.
“I’m just trying to get on with my life because it [the South African case] took an enormous toll,” Mr Asch said.
Mr Asch said he could have left South Africa more than three years ago but remained to defend the claims.
No other directors were charged with tax evasion.
“I had planned to move to Australia in 2000, only I stayed because I did not want to run away from it,” he said.
“It cost me R10 million and in the end I was acquitted.”
