Fake traders, mismatched bank records: Man jailed over attempted $247K tax fraud
An Auckland man has been jailed for tax fraud after trying to obtain almost $250,000 through GST refunds he wasn’t entitled to.
William Ricco Solomon was sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment in the Auckland District Court.
Between November 2023 and May 2024, Solomon, who was registered as a sole trader, submitted GST returns through two myIR accounts, trying to get $247,665.48.
However, no money was released to him.
Inland Revenue’s systems showed Solomon amended figures multiple times in some returns, and assessed how this would impact the refund amount before finalising the return.
The tax agency began an audit in March 2024. Bank statements obtained showed no evidence of any business activity and/or deposits and withdrawals that matched the amounts submitted in the GST returns.
Some documents provided as evidence of business activity were fake and two traders named by Solomon in the fake documents said they never traded with him.
Judge Retzlaff’s starting point was 17 months in prison, however, discounts were applied for Solomon’s guilty plea, time spent in custody and personal circumstances.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
