Man jailed after stealing family members' identities in tax fraud
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20 October 2009
Media release 2009/59
Brett William Bransby, 36, was today sentenced to four years and six months jail in the Perth District Court for GST fraud of $446,867.
From November 2007 through to December 2008 Bransby used personal details of family members, friends and four high-profile sporting identities to register ten false businesses without their knowledge.
Bransby lodged several fraudulent claims using these false businesses, receiving $334,797 in fraudulent refunds. The Tax Office also stopped a further $112,070 in attempted fraudulent refunds from being received.
In December 2008 Bransby admitted to lodging a total of 27 false BASs and 36 amended BASs.
Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said the Tax Office supports honest businesses by taking firm action against those seeking an unfair advantage.
“We focus on people whose lifestyles don’t match the income they report or whose businesses operate with income levels below what is normal,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.
In 2008-09 the Tax Office conducted 570 audits of small businesses who were involved in serious fraud and evasion. These audits raised net liabilities of approximately $56 million in GST.
Bransby will serve two years and three months jail before being eligible for parole and has been ordered to pay back $334,797 to the Tax Office.
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