MELTON: Jail over BAS tax fraud
A Melton man has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for defrauding and attempting to defraud the Australian Taxation Office of more than $250,000 in fraudulent business activity statements.
He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of eight months. The remainder of his sentence will be served under a Recognisance Release Order.
An Australian Federal Police investigation into the fraud activity began in December, 2022, after the man, now aged 29, received GST refunds after lodging fraudulent business activity statements for ‘handyman services’ over a six-month period.
The man also attempted to claim an additional $73,569 in GST refunds.
AFP and Victoria Police investigators executed a search warrant in Weir Views on March 6, 2023, and seized a phone and a letter from the ATO about the fraudulent activity.
The man was charged and pleaded guilty to the following offences:
n One count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception,
n One count of attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, the man was ordered to pay $176,365 to the ATO.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Yoran Wolfkamp said: “This result is a warning to people who seek to exploit the taxation system – you may face terms of imprisonment if you engage in this behaviour.
“The AFP is committed to combatting financial crimes and will work diligently with our partners in the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce to identify and prosecute those who seek to cheat the tax system.”
ATO Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins said the outcome sends a clear message to anyone thinking of defrauding the tax system.
“We know most people do the right thing, but those who deliberately cheat the system will be caught and will face severe consequences including jail sentences for serious offenders.”
“GST fraud is not a victimless crime – the ATO remains vigilant and committed to pursue those who seek to exploit the system and reduce the resources available for essential public services,” Ms Hawkins said.