Central Coast man’s alleged fraud scheme uncovered

A Central Coast accountant will face court today after being charged with frauds totalling more than half a million dollars, including alleged fraudulent JobKeeper applications made on behalf of his clients without their knowledge.

An accountant and registered tax agent will face court today after frauds totalling almost $600,000 were allegedly uncovered, including many false JobKeeper payments.

Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad established Strike Force Windorra after receiving reports of alleged fraudulent activity against clients of a registered tax accountant.

Ongoing inquiries led police to execute search warrants at an Erina business and a home at Green Point in March, seizing documentation and electronic devices for further forensic examination.

With assistance from the ATO, the 54-year old man was arrested and charged on April 8 with 23 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

Police will allege in court the man submitted fraudulent tax returns he altered without his clients’ knowledge in order to personally profit.

The 54-year old is also alleged to have made numerous fraudulent applications to the Covid-19 JobKeeper Payment scheme on behalf of clients, without their knowledge.

The Green Point man was granted strict conditional bail and will appear at Gosford Local Court later today.