Covid and tax fraudster used false identities to try to steal $220,000

Caitlin Briar Ashby made false false GST returns and false small business cashflow scheme loan applications. Photo / Alex Burton

A tax fraudster filed more than 60 false income tax returns for multiple taxpayers in a bid to steal more than $200,000.

Caitlin Briar Ashby was charged with using forged documents after Inland Revenue accused her of scamming two Covid-19 support schemes.

Inland Revuenue said Ashby set up three bank accounts using false identities and filed 64 false income tax returns for 14 different taxpayers.

She was sentenced at the Manukau District Court last week.

Ashby made two false false GST returns, two false small business cashflow scheme loan applications, and one false resurgence support payment application.

In 2019, Ashby had bank account details changed for 19 taxpayers.

By doing so, she ensured any income tax refunds for those customers would be paid into accounts she controlled.

Inland Revenue said Ashby also tried to have two GST returns paid into accounts she controlled.

“Nearly $37,000 was paid into bank accounts under her control from the Covid relief schemes.”

Ashby tried to get $222,822.44 from Inland Revenue and was successful in getting $36,629.64.

Ashby was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

She was given leave to apply for home detention.

No reparation was ordered.