Perth, July 28: A NSW man, 33, has been charged over allegedly attempting to defraud the Commonwealth of more than $1.3 million through false Goods and Services Tax (GST) claims, following a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The former Commonwealth public servant was arrested on 30 June 2026 by Serious Financial Crime Task Force (SFCTF) investigators at a Broken Hill home, with assistance from the Operation Protego Integrity Taskforce (OPIT) and the New South Wales Police Force.
The joint investigation underscores the Commonwealth’s zero-tolerance approach to fraud and its commitment to upholding integrity and accountability.
It is alleged the man attempted to defraud the Commonwealth of the $1.3 million in GST refunds between 2020 and 2022.
Police allege he 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 is further alleged the man registered the Australian Business Number (ABN) on behalf of the business, despite there being no evidence of business activity during the period in which he claimed the refunds.
On 30 June 2026, AFP and ATO investigators executed a search warrant at the Broken Hill home, seizing electronic devices that will undergo further forensic examination.
The 33-year-old has been charged with one count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. He was granted strict bail and was 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,” a/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.”
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