A Sydney international student has been accused of rorting Australia’s Tourist Refund Scheme, with police alleging he lodged more than $5m in dishonest claims tied to luxury and counterfeit watches.
The 28-year-old is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday after an Australian Federal Police-led investigation allegedly uncovered a pattern of false refund claims, rapid overseas trips and large cash deposits.
An investigation began in February this year after Australian Border Force (ABF) raised concerns about a suspected co-ordinated network using high-value Tourist Refund Scheme claims, frequent short-haul international travel, structured cash deposits and the movement of expensive goods.
Under the scheme, international travellers in Australia can claim a GST refund on goods worth more than $300, so long as those items aren’t brought back into the country.
Police allege the man lodged more than $5m in fraudulent TRS claims for luxury watches through Sydney Airport.
Investigators also allege he travelled more than 20 times to Chengdu Tianfu Airport in China, often staying overseas for less than 24 hours.
Between February 2025 and May 2026, the man allegedly deposited more than $1.1m in cash into Australian bank accounts, with most of those deposits made at ATMs in Sydney’s CBD.
It will be alleged he edited bank documents and repeatedly claimed refunds for items that were not eligible under the scheme.
AFP and ABF officers executed warrants in Sydney’s CBD on May 20, seizing about $270,000 in cash, electronic devices, a cash-counting machine, a Richard Mille watch worth about $170,000, three Patek Phillipe watches, one Van Cleef watch, two counterfeit luxury watches, and numerous receipts and invoices.
The man was charged with one count of dishonestly intending to obtain a gain. He was remanded in custody on May 21 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said every dollar dishonestly obtained through GST refunds came at the public’s expense.
“Everyday Australians suffer when the taxation system is exploited and money goes into the pockets of criminals, which bankrolls future criminal ventures,” Superintendent Fogarty said.
“Anyone who abuses the taxation system is warned – your actions and transactions are always traceable, and you are in the AFP’s sights.”
ABF Superintendent Paul Barfoot said officers were alert to suspicious travel and financial activity linked to border fraud.
“Our officers are highly skilled at detecting suspicious activity and travel patterns that can indicate potential fraud and trade-based money laundering,” Superintendent Barfoot said.
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