Convictions continue to climb for Operation Protego

Australian Taxation Office

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has continued its enforcement action under Operation Protego, with 4 more individuals sentenced with significant jail time in July and August for fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 in illegitimate claims.

These fraudsters purposely registered for ABNs, created fake businesses to submit business activity statements, and used these claims to obtain refunds from the ATO which they were not entitled to.

One individual claimed to be a fitness instructor, one a construction sole trader and another a labour hire provider. Instead, their real identities will serve combined sentences of 6 years in jail and have been ordered to repay the ATO the money stolen.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Pennie Snowden said the ATO will continue to pursue criminal investigations and referrals for prosecution for those who purposely commit fraud against the community to protect the integrity of the tax and super system.

‘If you don’t operate a business, you don’t need an ABN, and you should not lodge a BAS. This is fraud and a serious crime, with equally serious consequences.’

‘These individuals have taken money from the community that would have otherwise been used to fund essential services. They now have a criminal conviction, which will damage their reputation, career prospects, access to financial services and ability to travel overseas – these are far reaching consequences.’ Ms Snowden said.

The following sentencings show the ATO is working with cross-agency partners through the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT), including law enforcement agencies, to bring criminal consequences, not just financial consequences, for GST fraudsters:

On 14 July, New South Wales woman Fiona Putland, also known as Funaki Toetuu, was sentenced in the Parramatta District Court to 2 years and 3 months imprisonment after being charged with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime of over $100,000 or more. Over a 13-month period, 35 fraudulent Business Activity Statements (BAS) were lodged, which resulted in $123,627.82 being paid to a bank account in Ms Putland’s name. A further 11 BAS were lodged claiming $162,208 however, these payments were stopped by the ATO due to concerns of fraudulent activity. She was released to be of good behaviour and subject to supervision for a period of 3 years.
On 29 July, South Australian man Matthew Petherbridge was sentenced in the Adelaide District Court to 18 months imprisonment for attempting to obtain more than $77,000 in GST refunds through fraudulent BAS lodgments. ATO compliance action recovered almost all funds paid and prevented a further $47,515 from being fraudulently obtained. He was ordered to repay the remaining outstanding amount. He will serve 2 months of the sentence before being released from jail to be of good behaviour for 2 years.
On 29 July, South Australian woman Leanne Connolly was sentenced in the Adelaide District Court to 1 year, 10 months and 16 days’ imprisonment for obtaining over $153,430 and attempting to obtain a further $31,876 in fraudulent GST refunds. She will serve 2 months of the sentence and then be out of jail for a good behaviour period of 2 years, in addition to being ordered to repay $153,000.
On 5 August, New South Wales man Jacob Mitchell was sentenced in the Penrith District Court to 2 years and 3 months imprisonment. Mr Mitchell claimed to be operating a construction business as a sole trader. He was sentenced for dealing with proceeds of crime to a value of $100,000 or more. In sentencing, the Court also took into account another offence which was on a schedule of jointly dealing with proceeds of crime to a value of $10,000 or more. In relation to the first offence, he dealt with the proceeds of 16 fraudulent BAS totalling $171,941.82. In relation to the offence on a schedule he jointly dealt with the proceeds of a fraudulent BAS totalling $24,200. He will serve 9 months’ imprisonment before being released on a bond.

These matters were prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following referrals from the ATO.

Read more about the latest sentencings outcomes from the ATO’s extensive efforts under Operation Protego on the ATO website. This operation was initiated in response to widespread GST fraud. It includes compliance and debt recovery actions, as well as criminal investigations, leading to jail sentences for serious offenders.

If you see something you suspect may be tax fraud, you can make a confidential tip-off online or by calling 1800 060 062.

If you think you’re involved in a fraudulent arrangement, phone us now by calling 1300 130 017 or visit ato.gov.au/GSTrefundfraud

Notes to journalists

As part of Operation Protego, the ATO has applied treatment against more than 57,000 alleged offenders. Those involved in this fraud have already been handed in the order of $300 million in penalties and interest.
As at 30 June 2026, 178 people have been convicted with a range of sentencing outcomes, including jail terms of up to 7 years and 6 months (reduced by appeal to 6 years and 3 months) and with orders made to restrain real property.
The ATO has finalised 64 investigations and referred 53 briefs of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

Contact details:

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