This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police
and Australian Taxation Office.
A NSW man, 33, has been charged for allegedly attempting to defraud the Commonwealth of more than $1.3 million in false Goods and Services Tax (GST) claims, following a joint AFP and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) investigation.
The former Commonwealth public servant was arrested by Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) investigators at a Broken Hill home, with assistance from the Operation Protego Integrity Taskforce (OPIT) and the New South Wales Police Force.
This joint investigation demonstrates the Commonwealth’s zero-tolerance approach to fraud, and its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
It will be alleged the man attempted to defraud the Commonwealth of more than $1.3 million in GST refunds between 2020 and 2022.
Police will allege the man came to the attention of the ATO’s Operation Protego – an investigation into large-scale GST fraud – after submitting fictitious business activity statements on behalf of an allegedly fraudulent Australian business.
It will be alleged the man registered the Australian Business Number (ABN) on behalf of this business, however there was no evidence of business activity during the period in which the man claimed refunds.
Last month (30 June 2026) AFP and ATO investigators executed a search warrant at a Broken Hill home where police located and seized electronic devices which will be subject to further forensic examination.
The 33-year-old man was charged with one count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
The man was granted strict bail and is expected to appear before Broken Hill Local Court today, 28 July 2026.
AFP Acting Commander Tim Underhill said Australians expected the AFP and its partners to maintain the integrity of Commonwealth revenue.
'These types of investigations are resource intensive and time-consuming, but the AFP and its partners are committed to preventing fraud and protecting taxpayers' money,' acting Commander Underhill said.
'This alleged offending strikes at the heart of Australia’s tax system and diverts critical funds away from essential community services.'
'There is no location in Australia where individuals can seek to lay low in the hope of avoiding law enforcement, we will locate you and bring you before the courts.'
ATO Deputy Commissioner and OPIT co-chair Nicholas Shizas PSM said this joint action demonstrated our commitment to holding those who attempt to defraud the Commonwealth to account.
'Integrity is fundamental to public service – if you are not committed to this standard, the public service is not the right place for you,' Deputy Commissioner Shizas said.
'Tax fraud has nowhere to hide. The ATO has sophisticated systems in place to identify fraud, as the capabilities of OPIT and the SFCT demonstrate.'
'This joint effort reflects the ongoing work of the SFCT to disrupt financial crime and respond to criminal behaviour, holding offenders accountable and protecting the integrity of the system.'
About the Serious Financial Crimes Taskforce
The SFCT is an ATO-led joint-agency taskforce established on 1 July 2015. It brings together the knowledge, resources and experience of law enforcement and regulatory agencies to identify and address the most serious and complex forms of financial crime.
For more information about the SFCT, visit www.ato.gov.au/sfct.
About the Operation Protego Integrity Taskforce
OPIT was established in 2024 and is co-led by the ATO and APSC. The Taskforce supports AFP investigations and disciplinary actions by employing agencies for those Commonwealth employees alleged to be involved in wide-scale GST fraud, identified through Operation Protego.
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