Australia's tax watchdog discovered that Thavapitak stole 13 identities to process illicit tax refunds.

A fraudster has been jailed for two years for his role in an illicit tax refund syndicate that used identity crime to impersonate taxpayers and lodge fraudulent refund claims.

An investigation conducted by the Australian Tax Office found that Kritsakul Thavapitak received and processed A$82,879 ($61,319) in fraudulent tax refunds. The refunds stemmed from a series of frauds involving the lodgement of 13 false income tax returns on behalf of 13 unknowing taxpayers. 

They were paid into 10 separate bank accounts, all controlled by Thavapitak, who then withdrew the majority of the money via ATMs and in-branch cash withdrawals.

During the sentencing at New South Wales District Court, the judge said Thavapitak will be eligible for release on a recognisance release order after serving 15 months of his sentence.

“We use sophisticated data analytical models to detect this type of activity and work closely with law enforcement and a growing network of partners to investigate and prosecute these criminals,” said Michael Cranston, ATO deputy commissioner.