Julie Holt proposes Q&A language clarifying that OCIF made an independent determination while framing J5 collaboration as increasing taxpayer confidence; earlier emails in the chain show Julie Holt originated the idea for the global press conference and coordinated extensively with IRS-CI's Justin Cole on messaging strategy.

ATO Challenges ‘OCIF Acted Independently’ Narrative; J5 Press Conference Strategy Email Chain

A multi-email chain spanning April–June 2022 involving Julie Holt (ATO), Justin Cole (IRS-CI), Brett Martin, Kelly Leperou, Gary Shapley, and Duncan Harrod, covering the evolution of Operation Atlantis press conference strategy. Key documents include: (1) Julie Holt's June 29, 2022 Q&A pack email proposing alternative language for Q7—'Is this a normal approach for criminal tax entities?'—framing OCIF's independent action while highlighting J5 collaborative value; (2) the original April 2022 emails where Julie Holt first proposes a global press conference concept; (3) Justin Cole's May 2022 response confirming OCIF had not yet developed their media release; and (4) draft remarks for IRS-CI Chief Jim Lee reviewed by Gary Shapley (June 16, 2022) for the OCIF press conference, with highlighted sections addressing the 'OCIF acted independently' messaging and the J5's broader role.