Chartered Accountants

Latest News

3 more GST fraudsters sentenced under ATO’s Operation Protego

Three more GST fraudsters have been sentenced under the ATO’s Operation Protego, with one offender raking in $1.1 million through fraudulent claims.

.

Three people have been sentenced for GST fraud under the ATO’s Operation Protego, which aims to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute instances of serious financial crime.

“Where we see deliberate attempts to cheat the system, there will be severe consequences,” ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) Chief John Ford said.

“These crooks face long-term consequences. Not only do they need to repay the money, but they now have a criminal record set in stone, which may affect their ability to secure employment, obtain finance or insurance and travel overseas.”

Under Operation Protego, the ATO has applied treatment to over 57,000 alleged offenders, finalised 62 investigations and referred 52 briefs of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

As of 31 May 2025, 112 people have been convicted, with jail terms of up to 7 years alongside orders to restrain real property.

In June, Darnelle Te Kiri was sentenced to 17 months' imprisonment for fraudulently obtaining $202,936 through false business activity statements (BAS).

In 2021, Te Kiri registered an ABN for hospitality and bar work services and lodged 8 false BAS over 7 months, the ATO said. She claimed to have spent over $2 million in purchases despite reporting little to no income.

An ATO audit found no evidence of a legitimate business. Funds had been spent on rent, groceries, pubs and gaming.

She was released on $1,000 recognisance to be of good behaviour for two years, and ordered to repay the full sum she had fraudulently obtained.

Daniel Copeland was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, to be released after 12 months, for obtaining over $1.1 million in fraudulent GST refunds. He submitted 23 false BAS for a plastering services business which, according to ATO investigations, did not exist.

Copeland used the funds for gambling, personal living expenses, accommodation and purchases at a car dealership, the ATO found. 

He was released on $100 recognisance with a 5-year good behaviour mandate, a breach of which would require him to serve the remaining two years of his sentence.

The third fraudster, Tewhanaupani Nukunuku, was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment to be released after nine months with a $1,000 recognisance and a two-year good behaviour mandate.

Nukunuku pleaded guilty to obtaining a financial advantage of $168,000 through fraudulent GST refunds, lodging six false BAS over six months. An ATO audit found that he was not in business and did not hold the necessary licenses to perform the work he had claimed to do.

He spent part of the money on luxury items, including retail goods and a car. The ATO ordered him to pay back the full $168,000.

Deputy Commissioner Ford said that the prosecutions demonstrated the ATO’s commitment to the Australian tax and super systems, underscoring the public benefit that tax revenue provides.

“GST fraud steals funds that could have been used to support community services such as healthcare, infrastructure and education, instead of funding offenders’ personal luxuries.”

 

 

 

 

Emma Partis
20 June 2025
accountantsdaily.com.au

Hot Issues

Latest Accounting News

  • ‘Results in paying more tax’: ATO warns Australians against early super access

    The Tax Office is warning Australians against accessing their superannuation early for expenses related to inconsequential matters, events or items.

  • Employee or Contractor ?

    Before expanding your team, ensure your business can support the new role financially and operationally. Focus on hiring individuals who are adaptable and share your company’s values to foster a cohesive and resilient team. Establish clear onboarding processes and provide ongoing support to integrate new hires effectively.

  • Inherited assets: what you need to know about pre-CGT v post-CGT investments

    Inheriting assets, whether it’s a family home, shares, or an investment property, can offer significant financial benefits, but it often comes with unexpected challenges. 

  • WHS and OHS Regulatory Update: August 2025

    Officers have an ongoing duty to ensure their organisations remain compliant and stay informed about work health and safety matters. This update covers recent developments to help officers meet their obligations and stay current with WHS changes.