A Melton man who tried to cheat the tax system out of more than $250,000 through fake business activity statements has been jailed for one year and six months.
The 29-year-old was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria on 14 October 2025 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, and he has been ordered to repay $176,365 to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
An Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation began in December 2022 after the man received GST refunds for bogus “handyman services” lodged over a six-month period. He also attempted to claim a further $73,569 in refunds.
A joint AFP and Victoria Police search at his Weir Views home in March 2023 uncovered a phone and correspondence from the ATO linking him to the fraudulent activity. He later pleaded guilty to obtaining and attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception under the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Yoran Wolfkamp said the sentence should serve as a warning to anyone tempted to exploit the tax system. “Everyday Australians suffer when the taxation system is exploited and the revenue raised is not used to support the community but 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.”
Det A/Insp Wolfkamp said the AFP remained committed to working with 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 reinforces the consequences of tax fraud. “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 – it reduces the resources available for essential public services.”
The case is part of Operation Protego, which targets GST fraud across Australia. As of 30 September 2025, 140 people have been convicted under the operation, with sentences of up to seven years and six months handed down and orders made to seize assets and property.
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