A Sydney international student has been accused of rorting Australia\u2019s Tourist Refund Scheme, with police alleging he lodged more than $5m in dishonest claims tied to luxury and counterfeit watches.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Under the scheme, international travellers in Australia can claim a GST refund on goods worth more than $300, so long as those items aren\u2019t brought back into the country.<\/p>\n
Police allege the man lodged more than $5m in fraudulent TRS claims for luxury watches through Sydney Airport. <\/p>\n
Investigators also allege he travelled more than 20 times to Chengdu Tianfu Airport in China, often staying overseas for less than 24 hours.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s CBD. <\/p>\n
It will be alleged he edited bank documents and repeatedly claimed refunds for items that were not eligible under the scheme.<\/p>\n
AFP and ABF officers executed warrants in Sydney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 imprisonment if convicted.<\/p>\n
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said every dollar dishonestly obtained through GST refunds came at the public\u2019s expense.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryday Australians suffer when the taxation system is exploited and money goes into the pockets of criminals, which bankrolls future criminal ventures,\u201d Superintendent Fogarty said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone who abuses the taxation system is warned \u2013 your actions and transactions are always traceable, and you are in the AFP\u2019s sights.\u201d<\/p>\n
ABF Superintendent Paul Barfoot said officers were alert to suspicious travel and financial activity linked to border fraud.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur officers are highly skilled at detecting suspicious activity and travel patterns that can indicate potential fraud and trade-based money laundering,\u201d Superintendent Barfoot said.<\/p>\n