Woman jailed for GST fraud

Media release 2009/30

A Sydney woman was today sentenced to seven years jail in the Sydney District Court for GST fraud of $506,511.

Vicki Francis Schembri, 34, was convicted of nine counts of obtaining a financial benefit by deception, six counts of attempting to obtain a financial benefit by deception and one count of dealing with the proceeds of crime.

Between May 2002 and August 2003, Schembri lodged 15 false activity statements for two separate businesses receiving $229,321 in refunds.

The Tax Office began investigating the claims and a further $277,190 in refunds were stopped by the Tax Office.

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said the Tax Office will take action against people who make false claims.

“The Tax Office closely monitors unusual and high value GST and income tax claims,” Mr D’Ascenzo said.

“We automatically check refunds against a range of criteria before they are issued so if you are making false claims they are likely to be discovered and such behaviour carries serious consequences.

“People who attempt or commit fraud are disadvantaging the vast majority of people who do the right thing and meet their tax obligations.

“So far this financial year a total of 44 people have been prosecuted for offences such as identity and refund fraud.”

Schembri has already served over six months of the four years she has to serve before being eligible for parole.

Last Modified: Friday, 1 May 2009

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