Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

·

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme that exploited fake business claims for tax refunds.

Danassis, who worked as an executive assistant at the ATO, obtained $94,000 in fraudulent GST refunds by registering a fictitious cleaning business and submitting fake Business Activity Statements.

She was convicted of one count of “general dishonesty – obtaining a gain” and sentenced to 18 months in prison, but was released immediately on a two-year good behaviour bond after repaying the full amount with help from her mother.

The Queensland District Court heard Danassis spent $11,000 of the money on dental implants and used some funds to repay high-interest loans allegedly forced on her by an abusive former partner.

However, the federal prosecutor argued the funds were still used for “personal gain,” including non-essentials and cryptocurrency.

Her case is part of a wider ATO crackdown on the scam, which began circulating on social media in late 2021.

The scheme involved falsely registering for GST and claiming refunds for purchases that never occurred. Over 57,000 individuals are believed to have participated, with only $160 million recovered so far.

ATO deputy commissioner Nick Shizas condemned the actions, saying, “Those who act contrary to our values do a disservice to us all and have no place in the ATO.”

Three other ATO workers have also been convicted, with fraud amounts ranging from $16,000 to $94,000. The scam has been described as the largest of its kind in Australia’s history.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos welcomed to Perth by WA Governor

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos was welcomed to Government House in Perth by WA Governor Chris Dawson.

‘Keystone criminal’ Aristides Avlonitis jailed over botched WA cocaine plot

Aristides Avlonitis has been sentenced to over nine years in prison for his role in an attempt to import over 229 kgs of cocaine into WA.

Greek Parliament passes ban on protests at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Greece’s Parliament on Wednesday approved a contentious amendment banning demonstrations in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

From Athens to Adelaide: Hellenic bonds strengthened at dinner for Loverdos

South Australia’s Greek community gathered at the Mortlock Chamber to honour visiting Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney pays tribute to women of courage and resistance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII.

You May Also Like

Bill Drakopoulos and Alessandro Pavoni snap up Enmore’s iconic Marie-Louise Salon

Bill Drakopoulos, a familiar name in the city’s dining scene, is expanding his partnership with renowned Italian chef Alessandro Pavoni.

Property developer, Theo Maras, switches support to SA Labor party

South Australian property developer, Theo Maras, has publicly declared his support for SA Labor Party leader, Peter Malinauskas.

Odyssey NSW rescues funding for multicultural drug support services

Drug and alcohol support services aimed at multicultural communities will continue after a successful rescue by Odyssey NSW.