iscover Victorian man jailed over $2.4m GST refund fraud
RegulationA Victorian man has been sentenced to 4 years and 7 months imprisonment after he fraudulently obtained $2.4 million in GST refunds.
Kristopher Andree-Jansz has been sentenced in the County Court of Victoria to 4 years and 7 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 2 years and 7 months after fraudulently claiming GST refunds.
In a recent statement, the ATO said Andree-Jansz lodged 31 business activity statements (BAS) between 1 March 2021 and 2 February 2022, claiming his business had made nearly $30 million worth of purchases.
An ATO audit found no transactions or bank activity consistent with the running of a plumbing business. Instead, it was found Mr Andree-Jansz spent the money on various lifestyle items, luxurious accommodation and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Andree-Jansz fraudulently obtained $2.4 million in GST refunds and attempted to receive a further $300,000. He was ordered to make reparation of $2.4 million.
ATO deputy commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce chief John Ford welcomed the result.
"This type of behaviour is essentially stealing money from the community that could be used to fund essential services that benefit everyone," Ford said.
"It is astounding that people think they can get away with this type of behaviour."
This matter was prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following a referral from the Tax Office.
As part of Operation Protego, the ATO has taken action against more than 57,000 alleged offenders.
The ATO said it continues to undertake firm action including debt recovery, as well as criminal investigations for serious offenders.
As of 28 February 2025:
- 104 people have been arrested.
- 98 people have been convicted with a range of sentencing outcomes, including jail terms of up to 7 years and 6 months and with orders made to restrain real property.
- The ATO has finalised 61 investigations and referred 51 briefs of evidence to the CDPP.
The ATO encouraged anyone who suspected tax evasion or crime to anonymously report it to the ATO by making a tip-off online or calling 1800 060 062.
Miranda Brownlee
Miranda Brownlee is the editor of Accountants Daily and Accounting Times, the leading sources of news, insight, and educational content for professionals in the accounting sector.
Miranda has over a decade of experience reporting on the financial services and accounting sectors, working on a range of publications including SMSF Adviser, Investor Daily and ifa.
