2013 media releases
Woman jailed for fraud and corruption
7 February 2013
A Hamilton woman has been jailed for two years and five months after earlier admitting charges of corruption and tax fraud.
Anita Gail O’Connor, a former Inland Revenue staff member, was sentenced at the Hamilton District Court today on 163 charges, including 24 charges of corrupt use of official information.
Inland Revenue Deputy Commissioner, Mary Craig, said the sentence shows how seriously this type of offending is treated.
"O'Connor's actions were a betrayal of her responsibilities and the trust put in her as an Inland Revenue employee. It was calculated and deliberate behaviour involving theft of public money."
"This sort of incident is very rare, but is exceptionally disappointing. It is a reflection on the individual, but sadly also impacts on the rest of our staff who have an extremely strong and proud record of public service and integrity."
O’Connor worked at Inland Revenue from 1992 until 2009. An investigation began almost a year after she left after a customer advised Inland Revenue that an incorrect bank account was associated with her account.
Inland Revenue found that O'Connor had used both the names and details of other people and false identities to gain Working for Families Tax Credits and to access child support refunds. She set up bank accounts under two false names and a total of just over $222,000 was paid into those accounts by Inland Revenue between June 2007 and November 2010.
During subsequent interviews, O’Connor admitted her offending. She said some of the money was paid to her associates and other money was used to buy cars, goods and groceries and for gambling.
Ms Craig said Inland Revenue is taking steps to recover the money taken by O'Connor.
Media contact:
David G. Miller
04 890 1698
029 890 1698
david.miller@ird.govt.nz
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Other media releases this year
- Working to help customers during a busy time of year
- Tax Evasion results in community service
- Inland Revenue welcomes sharing of tax haven information
- Issues paper on GST and bodies corporate released for discussion
- Draft statement seeks public comment on search powers
- Raising customer awareness at Canterbury Rebuild and Recovery Expo
- Inland Revenue has resumed external email service
- Inland Revenue investigating the incorrect release of emails
- Inland Revenue launches new research report on information sharing
- Inland Revenue warns customers about hoax phone calls offering tax refunds
- Filing extension for Christchurch customers to expire on 31 March 2013
- Inland Revenue further discusses accommodation allowance rules
- Still time to make Penny and Hooper-like disclosures before 31 March
- Court of Appeal decision supports Inland Revenue's position on Alesco
- Inland Revenue issues Revenue Alert about voucher-based salary packaging arrangements
- Extradited accountant jailed for tax fraud
- Inland Revenue releases adverse events research
- February tax payment reminder
Communications and Inquiry
Inland Revenue
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Date published: 11 Feb 2013
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