Visit our website at www.afp.gov.au for all the latest information on the Australian
Federal Police
20 November 2009
Media Release
Perth woman charged with defrauding the ATO
A 44-year-old Perth woman will face Perth Magistrates Court today, charged
with ten offences including defrauding the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
It will be alleged that between July 2000 and September 2003 as the director
of two soil and gardening companies she knowingly understated sales on
Business Activity Statements (BAS) submitted to the ATO.
The investigation was a joint operation between the Australian Federal Police
(AFP) and the ATO.
AFP Acting National Manager Economic and Special Operations Ian McCartney
warned the community that tax avoidance can constitute a criminal offence.
“Police are actively working with the Australian Taxation Office to deter serious
tax evasion crimes,” Commander McCartney said.
“Business owners and members of the public alike are warned that defrauding
the Commonwealth is a crime and evading tax can result in criminal charges.”
Search warrants were executed by the AFP in West Perth, North Fremantle,
and Balcatta throughout the investigation.
The woman will face the following charges:
two counts of defrauding the Commonwealth, contrary to section
29D of the Crimes Act 1914.
seven counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception,
contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995.
one count of obtaining a gain, contrary to section 135.1 of the
Criminal Code Act 1995.
The maximum penalty for these offences is 10 years imprisonment.
Media enquiries
AFP National Media Team
Phone: (02) 6275 7100
NEWS 
