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Media release 2008/60
The Southport District Court yesterday sentenced a man to 3 years jail for lodging a series of GST refund claims using false identities.
Darryl Loane pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception.
Over a five month period, Mr Loane used false birth certificates to open 25 bank accounts and a range of insurance policies.
He then used these documents to apply for 33 tax file numbers (TFNs) and 420 Australian Business Numbers (ABNs).
Mr Loane lodged 214 Business Activity Statements, claiming $191,280 in fraudulent refunds.
When the Tax Office performed verification checks, Loane provided false invoices to support the claims.
Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said the Tax Office is using increasingly sophisticated analytical tools and techniques to detect and deal with suspect transactions, particularly where false identities are involved.
“In cooperation with partner agencies, we have been very successful in clamping down on attempts to create false identities for the purposes of defrauding the tax system,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
“Over the past few years we have done a lot of work around controls and improving our proof of identification framework.
“We are also continuing to invest in our intelligence capabilities, including the analytical capabilities of our staff.”
Mr Loane will serve 15 months before being eligible for parole.
Last Modified: Thursday, 11 December 2008
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