- A Melbourne man sentenced to nearly 3 years for GST fraud totaling over $390,000.
- Attempted to obtain an additional $330,000 in fraudulent refunds.
- Failed to comply with a court order by not providing phone passcode.
- Registered a fake business and submitted false business activity statements.
- ATO and police found no evidence of business activity during a search.
- Ordered to serve 1 year and 8 months, with conditions for good behavior.
- Must pay reparations of over $392,000.
- ATO continues to pursue the debt and future refunds may be seized.
- Case prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
- ATO emphasizes GST fraud impacts essential services.
- Operation Protego has taken action against over 57,000 offenders.
- Over 100 people convicted with various sentences as of March 2025.
Source: ato.gov.au
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
