iscoverFraudulent business activity statements of more than $250,000 and $73,569 in attempted GST refunds have left a Melbourne fraudster with one year and six months behind bars to look forward to.
Guilty BAS, GST fraudster sentenced to imprisonment
27 October 2025
•
8 minute read
The Tax Office, in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), have charged a Melbourne man for attempting to defraud the ATO of more than $250,000 in business activity statements.
The man from the Victorian suburb of Melton was sentenced to one year and six months in prison with a non-parole period of eight months at the County Court of Victoria on 14 October 2025.
You’re out of free articles for this month
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
According to the joint statement from the ATO and AFP, the remainder of the man’s sentence was to be served under a recognisance release order.
Jade Hawkins, ATO assistant commissioner, said the outcome sent 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,” she said.
“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.”
The fraudster, aged 29 years old, was found in an AFP investigation to have begun engaging in the fraudulent activity in December 2022 after he received GST refunds after lodging fraudulent BAS for ‘handyman services’ over six months.
A phone and letter from the ATO addressing the fraudulent activity were seized by AFP and Victoria Police during a search warrant in Weir Views, Victoria, on 6 March 2023.
On 1 May 2025, the fraudster was charged and pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code and one count of attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector, Yoran Wolfkamp, said every dollar fraudulently obtained through GST refunds was at the expense of the Australian community.
“Every day Australians suffer when the taxation system is exploited and the revenue raised is not used to support the community and instead goes into the pockets of criminals,” he 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.”
It was noted that the guilty man was also ordered to pay $176,365 to the ATO in addition to his prison sentence.
This investigation was undertaken as part of Operation Protego, which, as of 30 September 2025, had seen the conviction of 140 people with jail terms of up to seven years and six months.
Wolfkamp said the ATO, AFP, and state law enforcement would continue to work closely together to deal with and eradicate this criminal behaviour.
“The AFP is committed to combating 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.”
“We also have access to intelligence through community tip-offs – you can confidentially report suspected tax crime or fraud to us by making a tip-off online or calling 1800 060 062.”
You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!
