A Victorian man has been jailed for fraudulently obtaining over $2.4 million in GST refunds, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief John Ford welcomed the result.
'It is astounding that people think they can get away with this type of behaviour,' Mr Ford said.
'We take all levels and amounts of fraud seriously and ensure that those who seek to gain an unfair advantage face the full force of the law.'
Kristopher Andree-Jansz was sentenced in the County Court of Victoria to 4 years and 7 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 2 years and 7 months, for fraudulently obtaining $2.4 million in GST refunds and attempting to receive a further $300,000. He was ordered to make reparation of $2.4 million.
Between 1 March 2021 and 2 February 2022, Mr Andree-Jansz lodged a total of 31 business activity statements (BAS), claiming his business had made nearly $30 million worth of purchases.
An ATO audit found no transactions or bank activity consistent with the running of a plumbing business. Instead, it was found Mr Andree-Jansz spent the money on various lifestyle items, luxurious accommodation and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
'This type of behaviour is essentially stealing money from the community that could be used to fund essential services that benefit everyone,' Mr Ford said.
This matter was prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth)(CDPP) following a referral from the ATO.
As part of Operation Protego, the ATO has taken action against more than 57,000 alleged offenders.
The ATO continues to undertake firm action including debt recovery, as well as criminal investigations for serious offenders.
As of 28 February 2025:
- 104 people have been arrested.
- 98 people have been convicted with a range of sentencing outcomes, including jail terms of up to 7 years and 6 months and with orders made to restrain real property.
- the ATO has finalised 61 investigations and referred 51 briefs of evidence to the CDPP.
You can anonymously report suspected tax evasion or crime to us by making a tip-off online
