GST fraudster sentenced after attempting to obtain over $100k in refunds

Hennig was charged with one count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), and one count of attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception, contrary to sections 134.2(1) and 11.1 of the Criminal Code.

In a public statement, the Tax Office said that Hennig had reactivated his ABN and registered for GST, claiming to run an antique furniture restoration business. He then lodged 9 false business activity statements (BAS), allowing him to obtain the fraudulent GST refunds into his personal bank accounts.

"Thanks to strong partnerships between the ATO and financial institutions, Hennig’s bank identified the unusual deposits and referred the matter to the ATO," said the Tax Office.

"This prompted an ATO audit and search warrant, which was later executed at his residence."

During the search, the ATO said the records, documents, and items found showed that Hennig was not running a legitimate business.

Hennig is to be released after having served three months' imprisonment on a recognisance release order, to be of good behaviour for two years with 12 months' supervision, a security of $500, a non-parole period of three months, and a one-year post-release supervised good behaviour bond.

He has also been ordered to repay $52,817.

This latest sentencing follows a number of other convictions relating to the GST fraud scheme, with a total of 20 individuals having now been sentenced to jail for their involvement in the large-scale fraud.

Kristopher Andree-Jansz received the longest sentence of all those convicted. Andree-Jansz was sentenced to 4 years 7 months jail after he claimed $2,402,258 in GST refunds which he was not entitled to and attempted to claim a further $323,694.

He was charged with 24 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and 3 counts of attempting to dishonestly obtain a financial advantage by deception. He has a non-parole period of two years and seven months and has been ordered to repay $2,402,258.

The ATO first issued warnings to the community about the fraud scheme in May 2022 and advised those who were involved to come forward.

The most serious offenders were referred to the ATO-led Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT).

The ATO said SFCT is taking firm action against individuals, facilitators and promoters suspected of defrauding the community by inventing fake businesses to claim false GST refunds.

The Tax Office previously warned community members tempted by the promise of big gains that the ATO had sophisticated risk models to detect fraud.

"We work with banks, law enforcement agencies and other organisations to share information and detect fraud. We also have access to intelligence through community tip-offs, and other information sources," it said.

"The SFCT brings together the knowledge, resources and experience of relevant law enforcement and regulatory agencies to identify and address the most serious and complex forms of financial crime."