Mildura Crime Investigation Unit detectives last week arrested 10 people in connection to a range of fraud related offences totalling $650,000, as part of an ongoing joint investigation with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Police will allege those arrested were engaging in fraudulent activities, such as creating fake businesses and lodging fraudulent ABNs, prior to submitting false business activity statements to obtain a GST refund they were not entitled to.
Among those arrested were:
- A 20-year-old Mildura female, arrested for allegedly defrauding the ATO of $198,555. She has been charged with attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception. She has been released pending summons.
- A 25-year-old Mildura man, arrested for allegedly defrauding the ATO of $76,875. He has been charged with attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception. He has been released pending summons.
Others arrested and released pending summons include:
- A 21-year-old male from Mildura.
- A 30-year-old female from Mildura.
- A 53-year-old female from Mildura.
- A 42-year-old male from Mildura.
- A 35-year-old female from Mildura.
- A 38-year-old male from Mildura.
- A 21-year-old male from Mildura.
- A 24-year-old female from Mildura.
In April this year, Mildura detectives detected local instances of GST fraud, which total approximately $5 million.
Anyone with information in relation to these matters is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Image: David Burrows (River 1467)
