Ten youths have been charged in Queensland amid an investigation into a Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud, which allegedly saw the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) defrauded of more than $1.8 million.
Detectives from Taskforce Uniform Knot executed multiple warrants over the last three weeks across properties spanning from Brisbane to Toowoomba.
Police allege the individuals arrested so far, aged between 18 and 22, were involved in a number of large-scale deceptions against both government agencies and financial institutions.
The offenders are accused of inventing fake businesses and submitting fictitious Business Activity Statements in an attempt to gain a false GST refund.
A BMW coupe, cash, drugs, electronic equipment, crypto hardware wallets, identification and designer clothing were seized as the warrants were executed.
Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the arrests are the culmination of a complicated and complex investigations conducted by detectives attached to Taskforce Knot.
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“This is an excellent example of investigators identifying offences and commencing immediate action to investigate and disrupt the crime.
“We believe the funds obtained are used to undertake further serious offending.
“The cost of offending is large and has a real impact on the economy and community, the results would not have been possible without the assistance provided by the Australian Taxation Office.”
