Australian man accused of trying to defraud ATO of $1.3 million

A 33-year-old man from Broken Hill, Lyndon Jake Pace, stands accused of attempting to defraud the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) of more than $1.3 million. The charges stem from allegations that Pace submitted fictitious Goods and Services Tax (GST) claims between 2020 and 2022, using fraudulent business activity statements for an allegedly non-existent Australian business.

Pace, a former Commonwealth public servant, registered a business with an Australian Business Number (ABN). However, authorities allege there is no evidence of actual business activity during the period he claimed refunds. His arrest on June 30, 2026, followed a joint investigation by the ATO and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The investigation into Pace is reportedly part of Operation Protego, a significant ATO-led probe targeting large-scale GST fraud. This operation focuses on false tax claims submitted by allegedly fraudulent businesses and has been ongoing since 2022. Nicholas Shizas, ATO deputy commissioner and co-chair of the Operation Protego Integrity Taskforce (OPIT), stated that the ATO employs sophisticated systems to detect fraud. "Where the community’s trust is intentionally broken, those suspected of being involved will be held to account and face serious consequences," Shizas said.

During Pace's arrest at his Broken Hill home, police seized electronic devices that are undergoing forensic examination. The matter was heard for the first time in the Broken Hill Local Court, where Pace, who was granted bail under strict conditions, did not appear. He faces charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and two counts of attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. The court adjourned the case for several weeks at the request of the police prosecutor, citing the substantial volume of digital forensic material.

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The vast majority of Commonwealth employees are committed to serving the community with honesty and integrity. Where the community’s trust is intentionally broken, those suspected of being involved will be held to account and face serious consequences.