While we haven’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, 2023–24 saw another increase in our ATO-led prosecution outcomes, building on our success from the previous year. 2023–24 saw 226 successful court cases and $2.86 million worth of fines.
Our recent investigations led to significant breakthroughs in combating tax fraud with 3 cases alone resulting in a combined 23 years in prison:
- Shaun Both - after he fraudulently obtained over $1 million in GST refunds
- Ravindra Narayan and Duane Saltmer - after we uncovered their deceptive activities to claim $4 million in false tax refunds
- Gavin Swan – after we exposed him for redirecting nearly $600,000 from his clients’ tax returns and COVID-19 relief payments.
ATO Deputy Commissioner John Ford warns there are serious consequences for those who commit fraud. ‘Our priority is to protect Australia’s revenue and safeguard taxpayers’ personal information,' Mr Ford said.
‘We have robust tools, capabilities, and partnerships to detect and prevent fraud threats, as well as identify and punish fraudsters. We investigate and prosecute fraudsters, while continually and rapidly adjusting our systems to stop it happening again.’
What we prosecuted for in 2023–24
We believe that it’s important that the community is made aware of what types of behaviours may lead to prosecution.
Summary of tax offences – typically under the Taxation Administration Act (1953) (TAA) include:
- failing to lodge a tax return, BAS or FBT return
- failing to comply with an information gathering notice
- failing to comply with a Court Order under s8G of the TAA
- making false or misleading statements
- incorrectly keeping records.
Offences under the Criminal Code, prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions include:
- obtaining financial advantage by deception
- dishonestly causing a loss to the Commonwealth
- forgery offences
- money laundering
- illicit tobacco offences.
Our staff within the Criminal Law Program work diligently to ensure all taxpayers meet their obligations. You can learn more about our compliance activities.
If you see something that doesn’t look right, report it by making an anonymous tip-off online or phoning us on 1800 060 062. It only takes a few minutes to make a tip-off.
Keep up to date
We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.
Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.
Subscribe to our free:
- fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
- email notifications about new and updated information on our website - you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the 'Business and organisations' category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.