Huang Xiangmo: Chinese billionaire claims persecution by 'dark forces of Australia's deep state'

Exclusive: Property developer, who is being pursued for $140m by tax office, says allegations of political donations and being 'agent of influence' are fiction

The Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo has called the tax office a "despicable tool for political persecution" over its pursuit of an alleged unpaid $140m tax bill, saying "unknown dark forces" and an Australian "deep state" were conspiring against him.

In a swingeing attack, the normally reclusive property developer - whose Australian permanent residency was cancelled on advice from Asio in December over fears of foreign political interference - condemned Australian politicians, government agencies and the media for what he described as their "amazingly synergized collaboration" in attacks on him.